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^st President of Bro'vm University - From a Portrait 



LIFE, 



TIMES, AND CORRESPONDENCE 



JAMES MANNING, 



AXD THE 



S'Uxl^ Ptsiorg 



BROWN UNIVERSITY, 



REUBEN ALDRIDGE GUILD. 



People wUl not look forward to posterity, who never look backward to their ancestors." 

BUKKE. 




BOSTON: 

GOULD AND LINCOLN 

59 WASHINGTON STREKT. 

NEW YORK: SHELDON AND COMPANY. 
CINCINNATI : GEORGE S. BLANCHARD. 

18 64. 

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Entered according? to Act of Congress, in the year 18G4, by 

GaULD AND LINCOLN, 

lu the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. 



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THE M E M O 11 Y 



MY MOTHER, 



CFjis 00liim.c 



INSCRIBED. 



l^ist of |I!itstriiti0ns. 



I. PORTRAIT OF JA:.II;S ?.IAN\1NC:, D.D., . faciiir, litkpage 

Page 
II. BROWN UNIVERSITV, 107 



III. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, PROVIDKXCK, R.I 225 



IV. P01{TRAIT OF HON. NICHOLAS r.ROV.'N, 39? 



PREFACE 



A CENTURY has elapsed since Brown University was founded, 
and nearly three quarters of a century have passed aAvay since the 
death of Dr. Manning ; yet no extended history of the one or life 
of the other has been published. This neglect to record the honors, 
the struggles, and triumphs of the founder, so to speak, of the ven- 
erable seat of learning, with the early liistory of which his own his- 
tory is so thoroughly identified, must be ascribed, in part, to the 
almost habitual indifference which Baptists have thus far manifested 
to the characters and the fame of their fathers and departed Avorthies. 

"It is mortifying," says a writer in one of the earlier numbers 
of the Christian Review^ " that we have allowed men like Clarke 
and Callender, Backus and INIanning, — each of them an honored 
and true-hearted advocate of the faith which we profess, at a time 
when this faith was despised and derided over the greater part of 
New England, — to pass away so nearly from the memory of men. 
They were all scholars, who compared well with the foremost of 
their time. Some of them, also, have linked their names with the 
history of the country, by the services they rendered in the days 

of her early settlements, and her subsequent struggles for national 

1* 



VI PREFACE. 

independence. But no one of them has found among their own 
brethren a biographer to set forth their labors and sacrifices, and to 
delineate their characters in connection with the pecuhar faith which 
they professed. Their lives, in some instances, at least, were filled 
with Important events, which illustrated the civil and religious char- 
acter of the age to which they belong. They were made beautiful, 
too, by their simple manners, their all-enduring faith, their deep 
devotion to truth. It is sad to think that their memory has so nearly 
perished, and it is humiliating to think that this would have been 
permitted in no other denomination than our oAvn." 

In 1815, twenty-four years after Dr. Manning's death, a brief 
sketch of his character and life, by the late John Howland, Es(j., 
was published in the RlioJe Maud Lilerary llepo^itory. It com- 
prises sixteen pages, and consists chiefly of personal recollections. 
Mr. Howland, although his calling was humble, possessed original 
and vigorous powers of mind, which he had cultivated by extensive 
reading, and a close observation of men and manners. He was a 
warm admirer of President Manning, who, with the leading men of 
the town, used to frecpient his shop. Although diflfering from him 
in his religious sentiments, he has furnished a sketch of Manning 
which the Rev. Dr. Hague, in his " Historical Discourse," pronoun- 
ces " an elegant tribute to his memory." 

Nearly a quarter of a century later, a memoir of President Man- 
ning, from the pen of William Giles Goddard, LL. D., at that time 
the accomplished Professor of Belles-letters in Brown University, 
was published in the American Quarlcrl// Reyister. This memoir 



PREFACE. VM 

Is necessarily brief, and although an admirable specimen of the 
author's skill in literary writing, furnishes but little additional in- 
formation respecting Manning, his materials having been limited 
mainly to the College records, and the traditions that had come down 
to his time. As an illustration of this dearth of material, the Rev. 
Dr. Elton, a few years later, in his " Literary Remains of Jonathan 
Maxcy," D.D., thus remarks : " President Manning embodied in an 
enduring form few of the productions of his noble mind. Of his 
writings, after diligent inquiry for several years, we have been able 
to obtain only two of his familiar letters, and an address delivered 
to the graduating class in 1789." 

The present work owes its origin to a train of circumstances, by 
which the author came into the possession of new and original 
sources of information in regard to Manning and his associates. In 
the year 1848, soon after he entered upon his duties as librarian of 
Brown University, a handsome morocco portfolio, lettered on the back 
" Manning Papers," was placed in his hands, as the custodian of 
the Library. These papers, containing thirteen packages carefully 
arranged by Manning himself, were found on examination to be his 
correspondence with friends in England, he having preserved copies 
of his own letters to them. They came from the late Mrs. Ludlow, 
wife of the Rev. Peter Ludlow, and daughter of the Rev. Stephen 
Gano. Mr. Gano, upon the death of Mrs. Manning, who was his 
aunt, took possession of Mr. Manning's papers, as administrator of 
the estate. Upon his own death, in 1828, the portfolio containing 
Manning's foreign correspondence, as above described, fell into the 



VIII P R E F ACE. 

hands of liis daughter, Mrs. Ludlow, who finally presented it to the 
Library. The greater portion, however, of Dr. Manning's papers, 
being loosely kept in barrels, were, through a sad mistake which 
good housewiA'es sometimes make, unfortunately destroyed. These 
papers comprised without doubt private diaries, important narratives, 
records pertaining to the Church, the College, the Association, — in 
short, ample materials for his own personal history, and the history of 
his times. An instance like this illustrates the folly of making the 
garrets and storehouses of private dwellings places of deposit for 
valuable manuscript papers, for the care and preservation of which 
historical societies are instituted. 

The acquisition of the " Manning Papers " awakened on the 
part of the author a desire to obtain further information in regard 
to the early history of the College, and the life of its first President. 
By means of letters and circulars, and by persistent effort, a large 
number of manuscript documents, printed pamphlets, sermons, 
addresses, catalogues, theses, programmes, minutes of the Warren 
Association, etc., have been collected and carefully arranged for 
preservation in the College Library. The titles of most of these are 
given in Bartlett's Bibliography of Rhode Island (see under Brown 
University, pp. 45-66). From these varied materials the present 
work has been mainl}- compiled. 

In preparing a history of this kind, a large number of books 
and jiamphk'ts have of necessity been consulted and used, many of 
which are referred to, both in the text and in foot-notes. The 
" Manning Papers," the papers and correspondence of Ilezekiah 



P R E F A C E . IX 

Smitb, D.D., the papers of the Hon. David Howell, and the early 
College records, together with files of the Providence Gazette, con- 
stitute, it may be added, the basis of the book. 

The author takes great pleasure in acknowledging herewith his 
obligations to David Benedict, D.D., the veteran historian, from 
whom he obtained Manning's diary and the correspondence of Hez- 
ekiah Smith, together with other valuable letters and documents, in- 
cluding a set of the printed Minutes of the Warren Association, from 
the year 17 71 ; William B. Sprague, D.D., of Albany, who kindly 
furnished copies of Manning's letters to General Miller, and who 
also presented to the Library the original draft of the College Char- 
ter, of which an account is given in the first chapter, and in the Ap- 
pendix ; Horatio Gates Jones, Esq., of Philadelphia, from whom he 
obtained copies of Manning's letters to the Rev. Thomas Ustick, and 
also much information essential to his work ; the Rev. Silas Hall, of 
Raynham, Mass., to whom he is indebted for a copy of Backus's man- 
uscript minutes of the first four meetings of the Warren Association ; 
Capt. G. L. Dwight, for papers belonging to his great-grandfather, 
the Hon. David Howell, including letters to him from Manning ; the 
Rev. Thomas S. Drowne, of Brooklyn, N. Y., for many rare docu- 
ments and pamphlets pertaining to the early history of the College ; 
the Rhode Island Historical Society, for the free use of their ac- 
cumulated treasures ; and, in fine, to all the numerous friends who 
luive in any manner aided him in his work. 

Justice to his feelings requires the author to express his special 
gratitude to Barnas Sears, D.D., President of Brown Univer- 



X r K E I< ACE. 

s;!y, for valuable suixgestions and counsels, and for friendly q\i- 
courairement, oiven Lim from time to time while en^afTed in the 
prosecution of his labors. The publishers also, Messrs. Gould and 
Lincoln, deserve grateful mention for the interest which they have 
taken in the publication of the book, the good taste which they have 
displayed in its mechanical execution, and for the liberality and 
promptness with which all their arrangements have been made and 
completed. 

The undertaking was entered upon with great diffidence. It has 
been continued from year to year, under all the disadvantages of 
accumulated public and professional duties, and amidst frequent in- 
terruptions. Historical accuracy, and not literary excellence, is all, 
therefore, to which the author has been able to aspire. Sincerely 
wishing that he had possessed greater skill and more ample leisure for 
the })erformance of the task to which his position as librarian seems 
naturally to liave assigned him, the work, wnth all its imperfections, 
is herewith submitted to the public, in the hope that it may be ac- 
ceptable to the general reader, and especially useful to the College, 
and to the religious denomination under whose auspices the College 
was founded. 

R. A. G. 
Brown Univeksitt, September 1, 1864. 



CONTENTS 



CHAPTER I. 

1738-1764. 

Manning's Birth and Parentage — Home Influence — Early Education — Sent 
to the Hopewell Academy — Isaac Eaton — Conversion and Baptism — Ben- 
jamin Miller — Admitted into the College of New Jersey at Princeton — His 
Instructors, Davies, Finley, and Blair — Extracts from the College Laws — 
Student Life — Letter from Kev. Oliver Hart — Manning's Classmates — 
Graduates with Salutatory Honors — Marriage — Ordination — Sketch of his 
Brother-in-law, John Gano — Isaac StelJe — Travels through the Colonies — 
Keceives a Call from the Baptist Church in Charleston, S. C, which he de- 
clines — Plan for establishing a Bai)tist College for the education more espe- 
cially of Young Men for the Ministry — Colleges in existence at this time — 
Formation of the Pliiladelphia Association — Early eflTorts of the Association 
in behalf of Education— Hollis and the Hollis Scholarships at Harvard Uni- 
versity — Hopewell Academy — Annual Meeting of the Philadelphia Associa- 
tion in 1762 — Ehode Island College projected — Morgan Edwards — Enter- 
prise specially intrusted to Manning — His first appearance in Ehode Island 
— Movements at Newport in relation to the College, as narrated by Man- 
ning — Ezra Stiles — Thomas Eyres — Daniel Jer.ckes — Jenckes's History of 
the Charter — Analysis of the statements of Manning and Jenckes — Extracts 
from the early Minutes of the Philadelphia and Warren Associations pertain- 
ing to the College — Liberal spirit of the Charter — Extract from Backus's 
Church History of New England pertaining to the early History of the Col- 
lege 23 



Xn CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER II. 

1764-1769. 

First Jleeting of the Corporation, at Newport— Character of the twenty-four 
members present, representing the four religious denominations recognized 
in the Charter — Manning removes with his family to Warren — Begins a 
Latin School, now the " University Grammar School " — Employs a i^art of his 
time in preaching — Formation of the "Warren Baptist Church — Appointed 
Fresidcut of the College — Extracts from a Letter of Rev. Isaac Backus to Dr. 
Gill of London — Suggests the formation of the Warren Association — Diffi- 
culties to be overcome — First Meeting of tiie Association, in 17G7 — Letter 
from the Fhiladelphia Association — Second and third 3Icetings — Sentiments 
and Plan of the Warren Association as drawn up by Manning — Plan to col- 
lect grievances — Character and influence of the Association — Manning's 
prominence and usefulness as a member of the two Associations — Circular 
Letter by Manning — Letter to Hon. David Howell — Howell appointed Tutor 
of th« College — Sketch of his Character — First Commencement of the Col- 
lege — Account from the Providence Gazette — Rev. Morgan Edwards's efforts 
in England and Ireland to secure funds for the College — Biographical Sketches 
of members of the first Graduating Class; Rev. Dr William Rogers, Hon. 
James Mitchell Varuum, Rev. Charles Thompson, Rev. William Williams. 



CHAPTER Til. 

1769-1770. 

Erection of a College edifice, and place of location — Warren, East Greenwich, 
Newport, and Providence contend for the honor — Meeting of the Corpora- 
tion at Newport in reference thereto — Final contest between Newport and 



CONTENTS. XIII 

Providence — Subscriptions in Newport — Final meeting of the Corporation 
on the question of location — Names of the thirty -five members present — 
Decision in favor of Providence — Letter to Rev. Hezekiah Smith giving a 
detailed account of this meeting — Proceedings of the Corporation with ref- 
erence to Manning's removal to Providence— Comparison between Provi- 
dence and Newport at this time — Attempt to establish another College, at 
Newport— Home-lot of Chad Brown selected for the location of the College 

— Plans of Nassau Hall, Princeton, adopted for the building — Corner-stone 
laid by John Brown — Manning sunders his connection with the church at 
Warren — His struggles of mind in regard to duty — Removes to Providence — 
Remarks of Prof. Goddard respecting his position at this time — Letter to Rev. 
Dr. Stennett, of London — Stennett's reply —Efforts of Rev.llezekiah Smith 
to secure funds for the College, in South Carolina and Georgia — Letter from 
Rev. Oliver Hart in reference thereto — Account of the first Commencement 
in Providence — Letter to Thomas Lapham, of Smithfield, illustrating the 
early discipline of the College — Biographical Sketch of Rev. Isaac Backus — 
Sketch of Rev. Dr. Samuel Stillman — Sketch of Rev. Dr. Hezekiah Smith 

— Extracts from Smith's correspondence while in the Army — Influence of the 
Brown family upon the College — Biographical Sketches of their ancestors: I. 
Chad Brown; II. John Brown; III. James Brown; IV. James Brown— Bi- 
ographical Sketches of the " Four Brothers," Nicholas, Joseph, John, and 
Moses Brown — Transit of Venus — Destruction of the schooner Gaspee. . 107 



CHAPTER IV. 

1770-1773. 

First Baptist Church of Providence — Founded by Roger Williams in 1639 — 
Samuel Winsor — Manning's connection with the Church — Invited to preach 
— Controversy on Singing in public worship and the Imposition of Hands — 
Becomes the Pastor in 1771 — Revival under his preaching — Letter to Dr. 

2 



XIV CONTENTS. 

Stennett, of London, giving au account of Lis views and feelings as Pastor of 
the Church and President of the College, together with an account of the dis- 
pute between the Baptists and Congregationalists of Massachusetts, Kew 
Hampshire, and Connecticut — Circular Letter of the Warren Association, in 
1770, recommending the churches to seek redress of their grievances at the 
King's Court in England — Letter to Rev. Hezekiah Smith in behalf of an op- 
pressed Baptist Church in Richmond, N. H. — Letter to Rev. John Ryland, 
of Northampton, England — Bitterness of the New England Congregational- 
ists in general towards the College — Ryland's reply — List of worthy men of 
learning and character in England deserving the honors of the College — Let- 
ter from 3Iorgan Edwards illustrating the ill-feeling of the Congregationalists 
towards the College — Extract from Prof. Knowles's Memoir of Roger Wil- 
liams respecting the expediency of unveiling scenes of intolerance and perse- 
cution—Account of the third Commencement, in 1771 — Letter to Dr. Lle- 
welyn, of London, giving the condition and prospects of the College, and urg- 
ing its claims upon his benevolence — Letter to Rev. John Ryland — Honors 
of the College — Spread of Baptist sentiments in New England — Manning 
suggests a Lottery to augment the funds of the College — His connection with 
the Latin School — Manning's Salary — Letter to Rev. John Ryland — Gift 
to the College of Dr. Gill's Works and fifty-two volumes of the Fathers — Ry- 
lands letter to Manning — Character and early history of Ryland's friend, 
Rev. Augustus M.Toplady — Letter to Dr. Stennett — Letter from Rev. Isaac 
Woodman, of Thorp, England, suggesting a printed Narrative of the College 
and declining its honors — Manning's reply — Extract from a letter from Ry- 
land respecting a History of the College — Playful letter to Rev. Hezekiah 
Smith — Letter to Rev. Benjamin Wallin, a wealthy Baptist of London — Wal- 
lin's reply— Letter to Ryland upon academic honors, and detailing facts illus- 
trative of the ill-will of Congregationalists toward the College — Ryland's re- 
ply — List of Calviuistic Baptist Ministers in England able to read the Greek 
Testament — Letter from Rev. O. Hart, of Charleston, S. C., thanking Man- 
ning for the discipline of the rod to his sou — Letter to Ryland — Letter to 
Wallin —Letter to Rev. Abraham Booth, of London, author of "Reign of 
Grace." 177 



CONTENTS. XV 

CHAPTER y. 

1774-1779. 

Description of the Baptist meeting-bouse at the time of Manning's removal to 
rrovidcnce — Church and Society prosper under liis pastoral care — Resolve 
to build " a meetinghouse for the public worship of Almighty God, and also 
to hold Commencements in "— Committees appointed — John Brown — Lot- 
tery to assist in defraying the expense — liaising of the house — Dedication — 
Description of the building and grounds — Letter to Eev. Benjamin Wallin — 
Baptists imprisoned for the non-payment of rates — Letter to Eev. John Ky- 
land — Manning's illness — His ]!!s arrative of the College — Commencement in 
1774 — Barnabas Binney — Valedictory oration — Letter to Thomas Ustick — 
Manning's efforts in behalfofcivil and religious freedom — Congress of Delegates 
meet at Philadelphia, Sept. 5, 1774 — Address to the same from the ^Yarreu 
Association — Backus an agent to said Congress — Meeting of the Baptists in 
Philadelphia — Conference between them and members of Congress — Manning 
addresses the Conference and reads a Memorial — Results — Increase of Baptist 
sentiments throughout tiie land — Extract from letter giving Dr. Stiles's 
statements in regard to said Conference — Petition from the Senior Class — 
Manning's reply — No Commencement in 1775 — Reasons — Commencement in 

1776 — Newport taken by the British forces — Providence under martial law — 
College studies suspended — College building occupied by the American, and 
afterwards by the French troops — Manning's duties at this time — Letter to 
John Ryland, giving a picture of the war and an account of tlie progress of 
religion in the land — Letter to Rev. Benjamin "Wallin, giving an account of 
a remarkable revival of religion in the church and College — Wallin's reply — 
Letter of sympathy and counsel to Miss A. Howard, of England — Controver- 
sial letter on Infant-Baptism, to Rev. John Berridge, of London — Conduct of 
the Episcopal clergy in reference to the war — Meeting of the Corporation in 

1777 — Instance of Manning's humane disposition — Important civil function 
confided to him — Anecdote of Manning in relation to the "Dark Day " — 



XVI CONTENTS. 

Letter <o Kev. Tlionnus Ustick, urging him to open a Latin school with a view 
to aiding the College — Letter from Judge Howell resigning liis Professor- 
ship. 225 



CHAPTER YI. 



1779. 



Distressed condition of the people of Ehode Island in 1779 — Probable reasons 
for a journey to Philadelphia — Diar)- or Journal — Manning sets out from 
Providence Thursday, April 29 — Sunday, May 2, preaches at Mr. James Thur- 
ber's in the forenoon, and at Mr. Tiiompson's in the afternoon — Thursday, 
May G, Continental Fast — Preaches in the afternoon for Rev. Dr. iPvathan 
Strong, of Hartford — Saturday, May 8, preaches to Seveuth-day Baptists in 
Farmington — Description of the country — Sunday, May 9, preaches for Rev. 
Judah Champion, pastor of the Congregational church in Litchfield — Mon- 
day, crosses chains of tremendous mountains — Tuesday, May 11, preaches in 
the evening at Mr. Waldo's — Wednesday, 12, crosses Continental Ferry — 
Thursday, 13, reaches the family of liis brother-in-law. Rev. John Gano — 
— Sunday, IG, prcaclies twice for Rev. Mr. Randall's people — Tuesday, 18, 
assists his nephews in planting — Sunday, 23, preaches again for Mr. Randall 
at Warwick — Monday, 24, sets out for the Jerseys — Reaches Mrs. Manning's 
liome in the evening — May 27, visits Elizabethtown, his native place — Sunday, 
30, preaches at the Scotch Plains Church — Meeting interrupted by the march 
of the American forces — Sunday, June 6, preaches with Mr. Stelle, to a large 
audience — Saturday, 12, preaches at the Scotch Plains Church — Sunday, 13, 
jircaches again ami administers communion — Sunday, 20, preaches at Lyon's 
Farms — Monday, June 21, sets out for Philadelphia — In the evening preaches 
at Samuel Randolph's — June 24, visits Dr. Vankirk, and preaches in the 
evening — Accounts of grain and Indian corn — June 27, tarries with Rev. 
William Van Horn at Soullunnplon, and preaches — Fruit in this neighbor- 



CONTENTS. XVri 

hood cut off by tbe frost — Crops fine — Monday, June 28, reaches Penuepek, 
and tarries with Eev. Dr. Samuel Jones five days — Sketch of Dr. Jones — 
July 2, Manning arrives at Philadelphia — Puts up at William Goforth's — 
Calls on Samuel Davis, William Rogers, Mr. Watkins, Mr. Westcots, Dr. Kush, 
Mr. Moulders, Mr. Hart, and Robert S. Jones — Financial embarrassments of 
the country — Mr. Joseph Hart of the Executive Council spends the evening 
at his lodgings — July 3, breakfasts with Dr. Eush — Inquires of Mr. Collins, 
a member of Congress, relative to the money question — Dines at Mr. Red- 
wood's with Hon. William Ellery — Sunday, July 4, preaches twice — General 
Spencer, a member of Congress, spends the evening with him — Mondaj', July 
5, importuned by a committee of the First Baptist Church to tarry with them 
a long time — Sets out in the afternoon for Dr. Jones's — July 7, sets out for 
Bordentown — July 9, preaches in the evening — July 11, preaches at Cran- 
berry — Sick with diarrhoea — July 13, preaches at the Baptist meeting — July 
16, sets out for Piscataway — Mrs. Manning ill — July 17, preaches at Sabba- 
tarian meeting — July 18, preaches for Mr. Stelle twice — July 19, returns to 
the Farms — Report concerning General Wayne and Stony Point — July 23, 
sets out for Hopewell — July 25, preaches twice and administers the commun- 
ion — July 26, preaches in the afternoon — July 27, dines at John Hart's, 
Kewtown — July 29, sets out again for Philadelphia — July 30, visits in town 

— Sees the prisoners taken at Stony Point — Aug. 1, preaches twice — Letters 
from friends — Aug. 5, call from Rev. Morgan Edwards — Aug. 7, visits Capt. 
Falkner, in companj^ with Edwards — Aug. 8, preaches in town three times 

— Aug. 10, visits Col. Miles, in company with Edwards and Jones — Descrip- 
tion of his country-seat — Weather — Crops — Aug. 14, preaches in the even- 
ing — Aug. 15, preaches twice, and attends funeral of a child — Aug. IG, sets 
out for Mr. Jones's at Pennepek — Finds Mr. Edwards there — Aug. 17, sets 
out for the Jerseys — Visits his family and friends — Sept. 8, sets out for 
Providence — Sept. 11, reaches the home of his brother-in-law, Mr. Gano, and 
next day preaches twice at Warwick — Sept. 14, meets Lieut. Hubbel on the 
road, who had come from Newburgh m ith an invitation from West Point — 
Sept. 16, goes down to West Point by water in Lieut. Hubbel's boat — De- 
scription of the fort and grounds — Introduced to Surgeon McDugal -Dines 
at General Greene's quarters with his family — Is introduced to (;lcne;nl 

2* 



XVTTI CONTENTS. 

"Washington, Ck'ncral Knox, Baron Steuben, llie French Ambassador, and 
others — Returns up the river — Sept. 17, sets out from the Continental Ferry 
— Journey through Connecticut — Description of the country — Character of 
the inhabitants — Manner of conducting town meetings — Kavages of the 
war — lleaches home, Sept. 29 263 



CHAPTER YII. 

1780-1783. 

Meeting of the Corporation in 1780 — College instruction revived — Manning's 
perseverance — Second interruption — Meeting of the Corporation in 1782 — 
Resolution to apply to Congress for damages done to the College edifice during 
the war — First Meeting of the Warren Association in Providence — Illustra- 
tion of the efforts made by our fathers to educate and improve the "rising 
generation ■' — Letter to Hon. David Howell — Letter to Rev. Benjamin Wal- 
lin — Brief view of the religious condition of the country — Public exercises 
of Commencement resumed — Manning's purpose to proceed to England to 
solicit funds for the College— His memorial to the Corporation on this subject 
— Second letter to Hon. David Howell, giving an account of Commencement 
and of the proceedings of the Corporation — rctitiou to the King of France 
for his patronage of the College — Sketch of Dr. Benjamin Waterhouse — Let- 
ter from Thomas Jefferson in regard to the aforesaid petition to the King — 

• Extracts from a Digest of the College Laws by rresident Manning — Remarks 
of Tristam Burges in regard to evening speaking on the chapel stage — Man- 
ning's ideas of college government and discipline — Letter to Henry Kane, of 
London — Letter to Rev. John Ry land — Influence of the College in favor of 
civil and religious liberty — Letter to Manning from Rev. Dr. Stcnnett — An- 
ecdote of Thomas Mullett, Esq.. respecting George Washington — Reply to 
Dr. Stennett, giving a history of the times during the war; John Murray; 
Jemima Wilkinson; the "Elect Lady "; increase of religious toleration inKew 
England; calamities of the war; condition of the College; its influence in pro- 



CONTENTS. XIX 

moting Baptist sentiments ; character of its library ; plan for an Education So- 
ciety, etc. — Origin of the Rhode Island Baptist Education Society — Letter to 
Dr. Thomas Llewelyn, urging him to endow the College, and thus give it his 
name, -according to a provision of the Charter — Extract from an address of 
the Warren Association pertaining to education, and especially to the College. 

287 



CHAPTER YIII. 

1784-1785. 

Letter to Manning from Rev. Dr. Rippon, of London — Most of the Baptist min- 
isters in England on the side of America in the war — Manning's reply to Rip- 
pon — Apostasy of Rev. Elhanan Winchester — Sketch of Hon. Asher Robbins 

— Baptists compelled to contribute to the support of Pedobaptist worship in 
Massachusetts and Connecticut — Resolution of the Warren Association in ref- 
erence thereto — Letter to Rev. Thomas Ustick on the subject— Sketch of 
Rev. Elhanan Winchester — His troubles with the Baptist church in Philadel- 
phia—Letter to Rev. Dr. Smith — William Wilkinson and the College Gram- 
mar School — Extract from the Providence Gazette respecting the transfer of 
the school from the College to the brick schoolhouse — Letter to Rev. Dr. Ca- 
leb Evans, of Bristol, England — Condition of the College — Efforts to add to 
its funds and to increase its library— Evans's reply to Manning — Illustration 
of Manning's numerous and perplexing cares — Letter from Rev. A. Booth — 
Manning's reply — Letter to Rev. John Ryland, Jr. —Letter to Rev. Dr. Rip- 
pon, introducing Dr. Solomon Drowne, of Providence — Sketch of Dr. Drowue 

— Letter to Hon. David Howell, in Congress — Letter to Rev. Thomas Ustick 

— Degree of Doctor in Divinity conferred on Manning by the University of 
Pennsylvania — Second letter to Hon. David Howell — Letter to Thomas Mack- 
aness, Esq., of London — Manning's plan to establish a library for tlie Bap- 
tist Association in Kentucky — Letter to Rev. Dr. Evans — Manning's philan- 
thropic efforts to enlighten the illiterate Baptist ministers of Kentucky and 



XX CONTENTS. 

Yirginia — Letter to Manuing from Hon. Granville Sharp, of London — Man- 
ning's reply — Ecclesiastical rnatters pertaining to the Episcopal Church — 
Letter to Rev. Dr. Kippon — Biographical sketch of Rev. Stephen Gauo — 
Character of Hon. Stephen Hopkins, the first Chancellor of the College — Let- 
ter from Rev. Dr. Evans announcing a donation of books to the College Li- 
brary from the Bristol Education Society — Character of the donation and of 
the aforesaid Society — Letter to Hon. David Howell, in behalf of the Corpo- 
ration, urging him to use his influence with the members of Congress in favor 
of a petition for indemnity for injuries which the College building sustained 
during the war — Death of Hon. Joseph Brown — Correspondence between 
Manning and John Gill, of London, respecting the publications of Rev. Dr. 
John Gill — List of Dr. Gill's published works — Pleasant bibliographical 
" morceau " respecting the first volume of Backus-s Ecclesiastical History. 



CHAPTER IX. 

178G-1788. 

Manning as a patriot statesman — Appointed a member of Congress— Account of 
this event, by Hon. Asher Robbins — Rev. Dr. Perez Fobes appointed to take 
charge of the College in Manning's absence — Letter to Rev. Dr. Rippon, giv- 
ing his reasons for entering upon political life — Interests of the College par- 
amount to all others — Manning's description of a minister such as he might 
wish to succeed him in the pastorate of the Baptist church — Letter from 
Nicholas Brown to Rev. Dr. Smith, respecting Manning and a proposed va- 
cancy in the pastorate of the church — Letter to Rev, Dr. Evans — Letter to 
Rev. Abraham Booth — Rev. Dr. William Gordon, of London, author of a his- 
tory of the American war — Letter to him —Congress passes an act for the relief 
of the College — Letter to Rev. Dr. Smith, giving an account of his life as a 
member of Congress — Letter to his colleague. Gen. Nathan stiller, giving an 
account of his own embarrassed condition from the want of funds, and urg- 
ing him to take his seat as a delegate — Second letter to Mr. Miller — Letter to 



CONTENTS. XXI 

Manning from Dr. Gordon — Public exercises of Commencement resumed — 
Sketch of Hon. Nicholas Brown —Account of the collection of portraits in 
Rhode Island Hall — Extract from a letter illustrating the difficulties against 
whichthe College at this time had to contend — l.etter to llev. Dr. Smith — 
Severe reflections on the General Assembly of Rhode Island — Trying period 
in Manning's life — Commencement of 1787 — Sketch of Hon. Samuel Eddy 

— Biographical sketch of Rev. Dr. Jonathan Maxcy — Confederation —Feder- 
alists and Anti-Federalists — Manning's influence in favor of the " New Consti- 
tution " — Attends the Convention in Massachusetts for the adoption of the 
Constitution — Anecdote respecting him — Letter to Rev. Dr. Smith alluding 
to his attendance upon the debates of the Convention — Letter from Rev. Dr. 
Rippou — Letter to Rev. Thomas Ustick — Letter to Rev. Dr. Smith — Bio- 
graphical sketch of Rev. Dr. Asa Messer — Commencement of 1788 — Sketch 
of lion. James Burrill — Letter from Rev. jMorgan Edwards — Letter from 
Rev. Dr. Evans — Letter to Rev. Dr. Smith — Early schools of Frovidence 

— Manning's efl'orts in behalf of popular education 377 



CHAPTER X. 

1789-1791. 

Letter from Rev. Dr. Gordon, illustrating his political views, and his position 
in England as the historian of tlie American war — Manning appointed to 
draft and present to Congress a petition in behalf of Rhode Island — Address 
to the Graduating Class of 1789 — Jeremiah B. Howell — James Fenner — 
Manning's customary charge to candidates for the ministry — Letter to Rev. 
Abraham Booth — Booth's reply — Letter from Rev. Dr. Evans— Letter to 
Rev Dr. Smith — Religious interest in Providence — Tutor Flint— Final adop- 
tion of the Federal Constitution in Rhode Island — George Washington's visit 
to Providence — Reception at the College— Address of President Manning 
in behalf of the Corporation — Washington's reply — Commencement for 
1790 -Moses BroAvn — Degree of LL.D. conferred on Washington — Aucc- 



XXII CONTENTS. 

dote respecting him — Letter to llev. Dr. Smith respecting Asa Messer, Tutor 
Flint, etc. — Ordination of Mr. Flint — Letter from Rev. Abraham Booth — 
Letter from Eev. Dr. Eippon — Letter from Rev. Dr. William Richards, of 
Lynn, England — Announces his intention of bequeathing his library to 
Rhode Island College — Account of Mr. Richards — Corresponds with Presi- 
dent Messer — Eequeaths his library to the University — Last letter from 
Manning, addressed to Rev. Dr. Smith — Manning preaches his farewell sermon 
to the people of his charge — Notifies the Corporation of the College to look 
out for a successor to till his place — Singular presentiment of his approaching 
mortality — His death — Universal sorrow and regret — Proceedings of the 
Corporation — Funeral — Extracts from Maxcy's Funeral Sermon — Letter 
on the occasion of Manning's death from Rev. Dr. Stillman, addressed to 
Rev. Dr. Smith — Letter from Hon. David Howell, in behalf of members of 
the Corporation, announcing Manning's death to Rev. Dr. SamuelJones, and 
in an informal manner designating him as his successor in the Presidency — 
Letter from Rev. Isaac Backus to Rev. Dr. Rippon — Extracts from Simeon 
Doggett'6 Commencement " Oration on the Death of Rev. President Manning " 
— Extracts from the circular letters of the Warren and Philadelphia Associa- 
tions — Manning's personal appearance, habits, character, and influence, as 
given by Hon. David Howell — Original portrait of Manning, by Cosmo Alex- 
ander — Manning's corpulency — Conclusion — The College founded by Bap- 
tists to secure for the churches an educated ministry —The improvement and 
elevation of the Baptist denomination through the College the object and aim 
of Manning's entire professional life 420 

APPENDIX, 465 

INDEX, 483 



MANNING AND BEOWN UNIVEESITY. 



CHAPTER I. 

1738-17G4. 

Manning's Birth and Parentage — Home Influence — Early Education — Sent 
to the Plopewell Academy — Isaac Eaton — Conversion and Baptism— Ben- 
jamin Miller— Admitted into the College of New Jersey at Princeton — His 
Instructors, Davies, Finlej'^, and Blair — Extracts from the College Laws — 
Student Life — Letter from the Rev. Oliver Hart — Manning's Classmates — 
Graduates with Salutatory Honors —Marriage — Ordination — Sketch of his 
Brother-in-law, John Gano — Isaac Stelle — Travels through the Colonies — 
Eeceivcs a Call from the Baptist Church in Charleston, S. C, which he^declinea 

— Plan for establishing a Baptist College for the Education more especially of 
Young Men for the Ministry— Colleges in Existence at this time — Forma- 
tion of the Philadelphia Association — Early EfTorts of the Association in 
behalf of Education — Hollis and the Uollis Scholarships at Harvard Univer- 
sity — Hopewell Academy — Annual Meeting of the I'hiladelphia Association 
in 1762 — Khode Island College projected — Morgan Edwards — Enterprise 
specially intrusted to Manning — His first Appearance in llhode Island — 
Movements at Kewport in Relation to the College, as narrated by Manning 

— Ezra Stiles — Thomas Eyres — Daniel Jeuckes — Jeuckes's History of the 
Charter — Analysis of the Statements of Manning and Jenckes — Extracts 
from the early Minutes of the Philadelphia and Warren Associations pertain- 
ing to the College — Liberal Spirit of the Charter — Extract from Backus's 
Church History of Ncav England pertaining to the early History of the Col- 
lege. 

" It is a homage due to departed worth, whenever it 
rises to such a height as to render its possessor an object 
of general attention, to endeavor to rescue it from oblivion; 
that, when it is removed from the observation of men, it 
may still live in their memory, and transmit, tlirongh the 
shades of the sepulchre, some reflection, however faint, of 
its living lustre." Tliis language of Robert Hall, on the 



21 MANNING AND Cii.u'. I. 

death of Dr. Ryland, is especially applicable to the subject 
of the present memoir. Nearly three quarters of a cen- 
tury have elapsed suice he passed from earth. " His own 
times," says the lion. William Hunter, our Late Ambassa- 
dor to Brazil, " he inspired with a deep sense of his qual- 
ities as a scholar, an orator, a statesman, a theologian, and 
an educationist." A general impression of his remarkable 
talent and influence still remains, but what composed 
them has become a matter of tradition. Of all Dr. Man- 
ning's intimate associates, and of his numerous pupils, not 
one is now living to aid by personal recollections any 
endeavor to embody, in a suitable form, memorials of his 
character and deeds. To perpetuate, therefore, his memory 
through his life and correspondence, and to exhibit the ori- 
gin and early progress of the institution of learning w^hose 
'infancy he fostered, and w^hose resources he nurtured and 
developed, will be the object of our present work. 

The Reverend James Manning, D.D., was born in Eliz- 
abethtown, New Jersey, on the 22d of October, 1738. 
Concerning his remote ancestors we have no authentic 
information. His father, Isaac Manning, w\as one of the 
original thirteen members of the Scotch Plains Baptist 
Church, which, as appears from the records, was consti- 
tuted on the 7th of August, 1747. Being a proprietor 
and cultivator of the soil, his children were trained to 
agricultural pursuits, and thus James acquired that skill 
in husbandry for which he was ever distinguished. His 
mother, Catharine, was also a member of the church. So 
far as we may judge fi-om the character and dis])osition of 
her son, she v/as a woman of suj)erior mental and ])hysical 
endowments, — one who exemplitied in her daily life the 
happy and sanctifying influences of the Christian religion. 
James thus enjoyed all those advantages which are de- 



1738-1764. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 25 

rived from the watchful care of sensible and religious 
parents. To their counsel and example he was indebted 
for those principles of right conduct, and those cultivated 
moral sensibilities, which saved his youth from frivolity 
and vice, and to which, ere he had attained to manhood, 
God was pleased to add the regenerating influences of his 
Holy Spirit. 

Concerning his schoolboy days we can ascertain but 
little. It is a matter of regret that no memorials of his 
early life have been transmitted to his descendants. He 
probably enjoyed better advantages for education than 
most lads of that early colonial period. Elizabethtown 
was then the chief city of New Jersey, and the centre of 
comparative wealth and refinement. Whatever was the 
character of its schools, it is certain that he was thoroughly 
instructed in the elementary branches of learning. He 
was an accomplished reader, an excellent penman, and a 
good speller. His manuscript waitings furnish abundant 
evidence of his thorough proficiency in this latter useful 
though too often neglected " rudiment." These may be 
regarded as matters of trivial imjDortance, yet they show 
that he did not neglect his early opportunities, whatever 
they were, for mental culture. 

At the age of eighteen he left the parental roof to pre- 
pare for college, under the instruction of the Rev. Isaac 
Eaton.^ This gentleman had recently opened an academy 
at Hopewell, New Jersey, "for the education of youth for 
the ministry." To him, therefore, says a distinguished 

1 Mr. Eaton was a son of Joseph Eaton of Montgomery. At an early age, 
having made a profession of religion, he commenced his career as a puhlic 
speaker. In April, 1748, he came to Hopewell, and on the 29th of November 
following was ordained pastor of the Baptist Church. In this relation he con- 
tinued uutil July 4, 1772, when he died, in the forty-seventh year of his age. 
His funeral sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. Samuel Jones, one of his 

3 



Zb MANNING A XD Chap. I. 

writer, belongs the Ligli honor of being the first American 
Baptist to establish a seminary for the literary and theo- 
logical training of young men. For this work his natural 
endowments of mind, his varied attainments in knowledge, 
and his genuine piety happily qualified him. Here, under 
the guidance of his faithful and beloved teacher. Manning 
became the subject of renewing grace. Of the exercises 
of his mind at this interesting period of his life, he has 
left no record. How much the prayers of pious loved 
ones at home contributed towards his conversion, and 
how great an influence was thus to be exerted over the 
destiny of multitudes in his after career, eternity alone will 
reveal. A striking instance of the importance of prayer 
in behalf of colle2:es and seminaries of learning^ is here 
presented. Little did the Principal of the Hopewell 
Academy realize how greatly the interests of learning and 
religion were to be afiTected by the conversion to God of 
this promising youth. 

Having finished his preparatory studies. Manning re- 
turned to Elizabeth town, where he made a public profes- 
sion of religion. He was baptized by the Rev. Benjamin 
Miller,^ who for many years had been the pastor of the 
Scotch Plains Baptist Church. Soon afterwards, being 
now twenty years of age, he was admitted into the College 



earliest pupils, who thus briefly portrays his character: "The natural endow- 
ments of his mind, the improvement of these by the accomplishments of litera- 
ture, his early and genuine piety, his abilities as a divine and a preacher, hia 
extensive knowledge of men and books, his Catholicism, etc., would afford ample 
fccpe to flourish in a funeral oration ; but it is needless." He received the de- 
gree of Master of Arts from three colleges, — the College of New Jersey, in 1756; 
the College of Philadelphia, in 1761; and Ilhode Island College, in 1770. 

" In him, with grace and eminence, did shine 
The man, the Christian, scholar, and divine." 

1 Benjamin Miller, a native of Scotch Plains, was a wild and reckless youth, 



1738-1764. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 27 

of New Jersey as a member of the Freshman Class. This 
flourishing institution had been founded by the Presby- 
terian Synod of New York, in the year 1746. Its first 
location was Elizabethtown, whence it was removed to 
Newark, where it remained eight years. In 1756 it was 
again removed to Princeton, its present location, where 
Nassau Hall, one of the largest and finest buildings in the 
colonies, had been erected for its use. Here he enjoyed 
the instruction of the Kev. Dr. Davies, a man distinguished 
for his wisdom, piety, and eloquence,^ and whose varied 
gifts and talents gave lustre and efficiency to the college 
over which he presided. During his Senior year he was 
taught Latin, Greek, and Hebrew by President Finley, Mr. 
Davies' successor. Mr. Finley possessed extensive learn- 
ing, and was especially remarkable for sweetness of dispo- 
sition and politeness of behavior. He was also instructed 
by tutors Halsey, Treat, Ker, and Blair, all of whom after- 
wards became eminent clergymen. The last named. Dr. 
Samuel Blair, was in 1767 .elected to the presidency of 
the college, Dr. Witherspoon having declined this honor. 



but was converted in consequence of a sermon preached by the celebrated Gil- 
bert Tennent, who encouraged him to enter the ministry. He was ordained on 
the 13th of February, 1748, as pastor of the church in his native place. Here he 
continued until November 14, 1780, or about thirty-four years, when he died, in 
the sixty-sixth year of his age. He was a good, laborious, and successful min- 
ister. "Never," said the Rev. John Gano, who preached his funeral sermon, 
" did I esteem a ministering brother so much as I did Mr. Miller, nor feel so 
sensibly a like bereavement as that which I sustained by his death." 

1 Dr. Davies spent the early part of his professional life in Virginia. It is 
well known, says one, that from the eleventh to the twenty-second year of his 
age,Patrick Henry heard the patriotic sermons which Mr. Davies was accus- 
tomed to deliver, and which were said to have produced effects as powerful as 
those ascribed to the orations of Demosthenes; that he was an enthusiastic ad- 
mirer of Mr. Davies and his opinions; and that it was Mr. Davies who first 
kindled the fire and afforded the model of Henry's elocution. (See History of 
the College of New Jersey, 1740-1783, in the " Princeton Whig " for Febru- 
ary, 1844.) 



28 MANNINGAND Citap. I. 

Blair did not accept the appointment, and Witherspoon 
was afterwards reelected by the Trustees. Such were 
Manning's instructors. That the teachings of these ex- 
cellent men, and the associations of his academic and col- 
legiate life, had a most important influence in developing 
his character, and in determining his subsequent career, no 
one will deny. 

Among the requirements for admission to the College of 
ISTew Jersey, was one obliging every student to transcribe 
the laws and customs thereof, which copy, being signed by 
the President, was to be in testimony of his admission, and 
to be kept by hi*n while in college as a rule of his good 
behavior. From a manuscript copy of these laws, made 
by the Rev. Dr. Hezekiah Smith in the summer of 1758, 
we make a few extracts, illustrating as they do the char- 
acter and spirit of the institution where Manning, and 
Howell, who was afterwards associated with him, received 
their education. These laws, somewhat modified, became, 
it may be added, a basis for the government and discipline 
of Rhode Island College : — 

1. No students may expect to be admitted into the college but such as 
have been examined l)y the President and tutors, and shall be found able 
to render Virgil and Tully's Orations into English, to turn English into 
true and grammatical Latin, and to be so well acquainted with Greek as 
to render any part of the four Evangelists in that language into Latin or 
English, and give the grammatical construction of the words. 

2. Those who have prosecuted their studies for the space of three years 
after obtaining their first degree, if they have not been scandalous in tlicir 
lives and conversation, shall be admitted to the degree of Master of Arts. 

3. TIic students, on every Lord's Day, shall attend di^^ne service in 
some i)lace of public worship ; which, if they without sufficient excuse 
omit, they shall be punished in a fine of fourpence ; and they shall also 
pay a religious regard to the Lord's Day, by keeping in their rooms, and 
not visiting, or admitting otiicrs into their c()m])any. And it is judged 



1738-1764. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 29 

expedient, and hereby ordered, that no student be out of his room, on tho 
CA'ening next after Saturday, or next after Lord's Day, except for religious 
purposes, or some necessary occasion, under penalty of fourpence for every 
said offence. 

4. If any student shall be convicted of drunkenness, fornication, lying, 
theft, or any other scandalous crime, he shall be admonished, make a pub- 
lic confession, or be expelled, according to the aggravation of the crime ; 
provided, always, that no member be expelled the college without the 
consent of at least six of the Trustees, — the President, in the interim, 
having power to suspend such offenders. 

5. None of the students shall frequent taverns or places of public enter- 
tainment, or keep company with persons of known scandalous lives, who 
will be likely to vitiate their morals. Those that practise contrary to this 
law, shall first be admonished, and if they still persist in such dangerous 
courses, they shall be expelled the college. 

6. None of the students shall play at cards, or dice, or any other unlaw- 
ful game, upon the penalty of a fine not exceeding five shillings for the 
first offence ; for the second, public admonition ; and for the third, expul- 
sion. 

7. Those students who bring into their chambers, without a permit 
from the President or some of the tutors, wine, metheglin, or any kind 
of distilled spirituous liquors, shall be punished in a fine not exceeding 
five shillings for each offence. 

8. None of the students shall be absent from their chambers, without 
leave first obtained from the President or one of the tutoi-s, unless half 
an hour after morning prayers and recitation, an hour and a half after 
dinner, and from evening prayers till seven o'clock, on the penalty of four- 
pence for each offence. 

9. If any scholar shall persist in the careless neglect of his studies, and 
shall not make suitable preparation for the stated recitations, and other 
scholastic exercises appointed for his instruction, he shall, after due admo- 
nition, be expelled. 

10. Scholars shall not go out of town, except by the President's or tu- 
tor's license, unless it be in the stated vacation, on penalty of such fine as 
the President shall think proper, not exceeding five shillings for the first 
offence ; and if, after admonition, they continually repeat the offence, they 
shall be expelled. 

1 1 . The tutors shall frequently visit their pupils in their chambers, to 

3* 



30 MANNING AND Chap. I. 

direct and encourage them in their studies, and sec that they are diligently 
employed about their proper business. 

12. No jumping, hollaring, or boisterous noise shall be suffered in the 
college at any time, or walking in the gallery in the time of study. 

13. Whoever shall do any damage, designedly, by writing, marking, 
etc., in any part of the college, shall pay fourfold the real damage ; if acci- 
dentally, shall make it good ; and what damage is done, and the authors 
thereof cannot be detected, shall be levied equally on them that live in the 
room or in the gallery where it is done ; if in the library or hall, or any 
part of the college unoccupied, to be levied equally on all. 

14. If any scholar refuses to open his door to the President or tutors, 
who may signify their presence by a stamp, they may break it down ; and 
the scholar so refusing shall be punished as in a case of contempt of 
authority. 

15. The students of the college shall be obliged to appear in such habits 
as the President, tutors, and any of the Trustees shall fix upon. 

16. Every member of the college shall treat the authority of the same, 
and all superiors, in a becoming manner, paying that respect to every 
one considered in his proper place. 

17. Every scholar in college shall keep his hat off about ten rods to the 
President, and five to the tutors. 

18. Every Freshman sent of an errand shall go and do it faithfully, and 
make quick return. 

19. Every scholar shall rise up and make obeisance when the Presi- 
dent goes in or out of the hall, or enters the pulpit on days of religious 
worship. 

20. If walking with a superior, he shall give him the highest place. 

21. If called upon or spoken to by a superior, he shall, if within hear- 
ing, give a direct and pertinent answer, with the word Sir at the end 
thereof. 

22. If overtaking a superior, or if met by him going up or down stairs, 
he shall stop, giving him the banister side. 

23. No Freshman shall wear a gown. 

24. No member of the college shall wear his hat in the college at any 
time, or appear in the dining-room at meal-time, or in the hall at any 
public exercise, or knowingly in tlie presence of the superiority of the col- 
lege, without an upper garment, and having shoes and stockings tight. 

While Ji inembcr of college, Manning occasionally re- 



1738-1764. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 31 

turned to Hopewell, and assisted Mr. Eaton in the instruc- 
tion of the pupils under his care. Concerning his student- 
life our information is very limited. He was remarkable 
for diligence and attention to his studies, — habits which 
soon gained for him a reputation for superior scholarship. 
In rhetoric, eloquence, moral philosophy, and the classics, 
he especially excelled. He was fond of athletic exercise, 
and devoted many of his hours for recreation to manly 
and invigorating sports. " Sana mens in sano corpore " 
was his motto. In his conduct he was uniformly regular, 
and he thus maintained a good standing with the officers 
of the college, without losing thereby the friendship and 
esteem of his fellow-students. 

While a student at the academy, Manning had formed 
an acquaintance with the Rev. Oliver Hart, pastor of the 
Baptist Church in Charleston, S. C. This proved to him 
a source of great pleasure and profit. Mr. Hart was his 
senior by about fifteen years, and was eminently a re- 
ligious man. He was the main founder of the " Charles- 
ton Baptist Association," that venerable and useful body, 
through the medium of which he continued to shed upon 
the denomination at the South the benign influences of 
his well-balanced mind, for thirty years. He also, in con- 
nection with the Rev. Francis Peiot and others, founded, 
in 1755, " The Religious Society," to aid pious young men 
in obtaining an education for the public services of the 
church. One of the earliest beneficiaries of this society 
was the Rev. Dr. Stillman, whose name occurs so fre- 
quently throughout these pages. During the latter part 
of Manning's Junior year in college, and shortly after the 
death of President Davies, Mr. Hart addressed to him a 
letter, which we here introduce, although it interrupts for 
a moment the narrative : — 



o'2 MANNING AND Chap. I. 

Charleston, April 27, 1761. 
My Dear Friexd : 

I received your kind letter of the 1st of March, ult., together with 
President Davics' sermon on the death of his late Majesty, — for Avhich 
favors I return my most unfeigned thanks. You intimate that you have 
written me several letters heretofore. I have received only one of them, — 
as near as I can remember, above two years ago, — and to which T returned 
an answer by the first opportunity. I lament with you (and surely all 
the friends of Zion must mourn) the lossof the justly celebrated President 
Davies. Oh, what floods of sorrow must have overwhelmed the minds 
of many, when it was echoed from house to house and from village to 
village, as in the dismal sound of hoarse thunder, President Davies is no 
more ! Oh, sad and melancholy dispensation ! Arise, all ye sons of pity, 
and mourn with those that mourn. And thou, my soul, let drop the 
flowing tear while commiserating the bereaved and distressed. Alas 
for the dear woman, whose beloved is taken away with a stroke ! May 
Jesus be her husband, her strength, and her stay. Alas for the l)ercaved 
cliildren ! May their father's God be their God in covenant. Alas for 
the church of Christ ! Deprived of one of the principal jnllars, how 
grievous the stroke to thee ! But Jesus, thy head and foundation, ever 
lives. 

And thou, Nassau Hall, lately so flourishing, so promising, under the 
auspicious management of so worthy a President — what might we not 
have expected from thee ! But alas ! IIow is the mighty fiillen in thee ! 
How doth the large and beautiful house appear as a widow in sable weeds ! 
And thy sons, lately so gay and pleasant, as avcU as promising and con- 
tented — liow do they retire into their apartments, and there with bitter 
sighs, heavy groans, and broken accents, languish out, My Father, my 
Father ! — the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof! But I can 
write no more. 

Yours, aflectionately, 

Oliver Hart. 

JMaiiiiiiig gmiliKitcd on tlie 29th of September, 17G2, 
witli tlic secorul lionors oi" liis class. This chiss consisted 
of twenty-one, and inchidcd some excellent scholars, who 
afterwards distinguished themselves in their several profes- 
sions and walks of life. Among thejn may be mentioned 



1738-1764. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 33 

his most intimate friend and companion, tlie Rev. Dr. 
Hezekiah Smith, of Haverhill, Mass. ; Ebenezer Hazard, 
who was the first Postmaster General of the United States 
after the adoption of the Federal Constitution, and who 
afterwards published in two quarto volumes a valuable 
collection of documents relating to American history ; 
Jonathan Dickinson Sergeant, a member of Congress and 
the first Attorney General of Pennsylvania ; Joseph Per- 
iam, for several years a tutor in the college ; Hugh Alison, 
a Presbyterian clergyman ; and the Hon. Isaac Allen, 
who was the valedictorian of the class. The distinction 
conferred upon Manning by the college authorities, in 
awarding to him the salutatory addresses, provoked, it 
is said, some discontent among his ambitious compeers. 
This, however, is by no means an unusual thing in the 
annals of our literary institutions. His Latin oration, with 
which the exercises of Commencement were introduced, 
is spoken of in the Pennsylvania Gazette as " an elegant 
salutatory." 

Soon after his graduation, he made arrangements to 
enter upon the duties of the profession to which he had 
already consecrated his life. By a vote of the church, 
taken, as appears from the records, on the 30th of Novem- 
ber, 1762, he was called to engage in the work of the 
Christian ministry. On the 23d of March following, he 
was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Stites, daughter 
of John Stites, Esq., of Elizabethtown. Mr. Stites was 
a " ruling elder " in the Scotch Plains Church, to the use- 
fulness and respectability of which his judicious counsels 
and large liberality greatly contributed. He was in afflu- 
ent circumstances,^ and for several years was the mayor 

1 Mr. Stites lost the greater part of his property during the revolutionary 
war. This will iu part account for various allusions to Dr. Manning's strait- 
ened circumstances towards the close of his life. 



34 MANNING AND Ckaf. I. 

or chief magistrate of the i)lace. His home at Connecticut 
Farms, in the immediate neighborhood of the city, was 
the centre of an abundant hospitality, where Manning and 
his wife were ever welcome guests. This marriage proved 
a source of great domestic felicity. Mrs. Manning pos- 
sessed those elegant accomplishments and superior qual- 
ities which well accorded with her husband's character, 
and happily fitted her for the discharge of duties insepa- 
rable from public positions of honor and usefulness. She 
was also lovely and attractive in person, if we may judge 
from her portrait in the possession of a branch of the family. 
The blessings of offspring were, however, denied them. 
She survived her beloved companion many years, and, 
after a long and retired widowhood, died in Providence, 
Nov. 9, 1815, at the advanced age of seventy-five. At 
the time of their marriage, she was not a professor of re- 
ligion. During a revival under her husband's preaching, 
in 1775, she became a hopeful convert, and was received 
into the fellowship of the Baptist Church. The joys and 
consolations of a well-grounded hope in Christ thus com- 
forted her in her bereavement, soothed her declining years, 
and cheered her dying hours. 

On the 19th of April, a few weeks after his marriage, he 
was publicly ordained, and set apart for his chosen work. 
The sermon on the occasion was preached by his brother- 
in-law, the Rev. John Gano,^ who had but recently been 



1 Mr. Gauo, whose name frequently occurs throughout these pages, was re- 
garded by the early Baptists as a '• star of the first magnitude," a " prince among 
the hosts of Israel." Possessed of superior natural talents and a great knowl- 
edge of human nature, he adapted himself with singular readiness to the varied 
circumstances of his eventful life. His ancestors were liugueuots. Francis 
Gerneaux, his great-grandfather, escaped from the island of Guernsey during 
the bloody persecution that arose in conscqueuce of the revocation of the Edict 
of Nantes, and, arriving in this country, settled at Kew Rochelle, where he died 



1738-1764. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 35 

settled over the newly-constituted Baptist church in New 
York. His teacher and spiritual guide at the academy, 
the Rev. Isaac Eaton, gave the charge, and his beloved 

at the extraordinary age of one hundred and three years. John was born at 
Hopewell, N. J., July 22, 1727. His parents were eminently pious, and from his 
earliest years he was faithfully instructed in the great principles of religion. At 
the close of 1754, or early in 1755, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Stites, 
who proved to be a most agreeable companion, and an efficient auxiliary to his 
usefulness. Eleven children — seven sons and four daughters — were the fruits 
of this union; one of whom, Dr. Stephen Gano, was for a period of thirty-six 
years (1792-1828) the honored pastor of the First Baptist Church in Frovidence. 
In June, 1762, the First Baptist Church in New York, consisting of twenty- 
seven members dismissed for this purpose from the Scotch Plains Church, was 
organized, and Mr. Gano became its pastor. Here he continued for a quarter 
of a century, excepting the time he was absent from the city in consequence 
of the war. During his ministry the church was greatly prospered, receiving 
by baptism about three hundred members. 

Mr. Gano early espoused the cause of his country in the contest with Great 
Britain. At the commencement of the war he joined the standard of freedom 
in the capacity of chaplain, and by his preaching contributed not a little to im- 
part a determined spirit to the soldiers. He continued in the army till the con- 
clusion of the war. Many anecdotes are told of him illustrative of his skill in 
administering reproof. A lieutenant, after uttering some profane expressions, 
accosted him, saying, " Good-morning, Doctor." — "Good-morning, sir," replied 
the chaplain. " You pray early this morning." — " 1 beg your pardon, sir," said 
the lieutenant. " Oh, I cannot pardon you; carry your case to God." Stand- 
ing near some soldiers who were disputing whose turn it was to cut wood for 
the fire, one of them said he would be d d if he would cut it. Mr. Gano im- 
mediately stepped up, saying, " Give me the axe." " Oh no," replied the sol- 
dier; " the chaplain sha'u't cut wood." " Yes," said he, " I must. I just heard 

you say you would be d d if you would cut it; and I should rather take the 

labor off your hands than to have you made miserable forever." 

In 1788, Mr. Gano left his society in New York, and removed to Kentucky. 
He died at Frankfort, in 1804, in the seventy-eighth year of his age. " He was in 
person," says Dr. Furman, "below the middle stature, and when young of a 
slender form ; but of a firm, vigorous constitution, well fitted for performing 
active services with ease, and for suffering labors and piivations with constancy. 
In the more advanced stages of life, his body tended to corpulency. His pres- 
ence was manly, open, and engaging, and his voice strong and commanding. 
Like John, the harbinger of our Redeemer, ' he was a burning and a shining 
light, and many rejoiced in his light.' Eesembling the sun, he arose in the 
church with morning brightness, advanced regularly to his station of meridian 
splendor, and then gently declined, with mild elfulgence, till he disappeared, 
without a cloud to intercept his rays or obscure his glory.'' 



36 MANNING AND Chap. I. 

friend, the Rev. Isaac Stelle/ of Piscataway, made the 
ordaining prayer. For about a year after this event, 
Manning travelled through the colonies, to ascertain the 
actual state of religion, and to prepare himself for more 
widely-extended usefulness, by a thorough acquaintance 
with men and manners, and an accurate knowledge of the 
condition and wants of the denomination to which he was 
attached. No record is left to indicate the extent, or to 
exhibit the incidents, of his journeyings. lie preached 
during this period to various destitute churches, and every- 
where his labors appear to have been highly acceptable. 
By the following letter from the Rev. Oliver Hart, it 
appears that Manning was invited to assist him in his 



Memoirs of Mr. Gano's life, written principally by himself, were published, in 
a small duodecimo, in 1806. He was one of the first trustees of Ehode Island 
College, and, until his removal to Kentucky, cooperated most efficiently with 
President Manning in his efl'orts to i)romote the cause of sound learning and 
ministerial education. 

1 Mr. Stelle was the son of Benjamin Stelle, a worthy magistrate, who for 
many years was pastor of the Piscataway Church. Upon the death of Benjamin, 
in 1759, he was succeeded by his son Isaac, who continued in this pastoral olFice 
until Oct. 9, 1781, when he died, in the sixty-third year of his age. He possessed 
a temperament exceedingly active, and a disposition uncommonly amiable. 
Fired by ardent piety, he longed for usefulness, and, under the guidance of Mr. 
Miller, to whom we have already referred as Manning's early pastor, he engaged 
in ilineratiug labors remarkable even for that age. Between tlicse brethren 
there existed the strongest ties of personal friendship and esteem. " Lovely 
and pleasant," says one, " were they in their lives, and in death they were not 
much divided, — the one having survived the other only about thirty -five days." 

" If one was grieved, it did them both annoy ; 
If one rejoiced, the other felt the joy; 
When one was gone, the other could not stay. 
But quickly liastened to eternal day." 

Benjamin, a son of the Rev. Isaac Stelle, graduated at the College of New 
Jersey in the year 17G6. He came to I'rovidence and established a Latin school, 
as we learn from a letter of President MaiYning to David Howell, dated July 
14, 1766. Tlie late Hon. Nicholas Brown married a daughter of this Mr. Stelle 
for his hxcoiid wife. 



1738-1764. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 37 

labors as pastor of the Baptist church in Charleston. 
This invitation, or, strictly speaking, call from the church, 
fortunately for the interests of learning and religion in 
New England, he declined, having ah-eady entered upon 
the great educational work to which his future life was to 
be consecrated. The Rev. Nicholas Bedgegood, it may 
be added, was afterwards employed as an assistant to Mr. 
Hart ; and, by his popular talents and pleasing address, 
gained so much upon the admiration of many, that an 
attempt, although unsuccessful, was made to supplant Mr. 
Hart, and to place the assistant in the pastoral office. 



Chaeleston, June 20, 1763. 
Deak Mr. Manning : 

A few days ago I had the pleasure to forward a call to you, from this 
church, to come over and assist me in breaking the bread of life to the 
dear people of my charge. I hope enough has been said to induce you 
to come over to this " delightful region," if I may use your own words. 
Since I wrote to you last, I have received letters from Mr. Gano, wiio 
informs me that you are married, ordained, and not settled ; or that you 
intend a journey to the eastward before you settle anywhere. I assure 
you that this gives me hope that you will settle to the southward, seeing 
you are not yet engaged. 

I congratulate you on your having entered into a new state of life, and 
hope you will enjoy all the comforts which the married state can afford. 
I welcome you into the vineyai-d of the Lord as one of his laborers. You 
are now an ambassador for the King of kings. I doubt hot but that a 
sense of the importance of the work lies with weight upon your mind. 
Well, he who is the Lord our righteousness is also the Lord our strength. 
I have only to say, I hope God will send you upon an embassy to this 
place, where you will be welcomed to my heart, to my house, and to my 
people, and where you will have a hopeful prospect of doing much good. 

Remember me in kind love to your other self. Tell her I wish her joy 

in her new state, and hope for the pleasure of saluting her in Charleston, 

where many whose amlntion will be to make her hapi)y will rejoice to 

see her. If the call should happen, by any means, to miscarry, pray look 

4 



38 MANNING AND Chap. I. 

upon this as one, and do not engage till you receive a duplicate of that 
already sent. I wish you great grace, and am 

Yours, in Jesus, 

Oliver Hakt. 

It was about the time of Manning's graduation that the 
plan of establishing a Baptist college or university for the 
education, more especially, of young men for the ministry, 
was freely discussed by many prominent men in the de- 
nomination. There were imj^ortant reasons for a move- 
ment of this kind. The only colleges in New England 
were Harvard ^ and Yale,^ both under the control of Con- 
gregationalists. The College of New Jersey ^ had been 
established by the Presbyterians. The remaining colleges, 
Columbia^ in New York, William and Mary ^ in Virginia, 
and the University of Pennsylvania,^ had been established 
by Episcopalians, and were under their control. Those 
who consult the pages of our early historians, and, indeed, 
the correspondence of Manning in future chapters of this 
work, will readily perceive that towards the Baptists, as 
a people, the Congrogationalists of New England enter- 
tained unfriendly feelings, — taxing them unjustly, and op- 
j)ressing them in various ways, in accordance with the 
narrow and illiberal policy of a past age. In regard to 
Episcopalians, the opinion was entertained, " whether cor- 
rectly or not," says Prof Kingsley in his Life of Dr. Stiles, 
" it is unimportant here to determine, that the Episcopal 
clergy generally, and the leading individuals among the 
laity in the same communion, especially in New England, 

1 Uarvard College was founded in 1638; William and Mary, iu 1692; Yale, iu 
1701; College of New Jersey, iu 1746; University of rennsylvania, iu 1753; and 
Columbia College, in 1754. Of the two hundred and thirty-six colleges men- 
tioned in the National Almanac for 1864, Brown University, therefore, which 
was founded iu 1704, i? the seventh iu the order of date. 



1738-1764. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 39 

were hostile to the privileges granted in several of the 
royal charters, and were endeavoring to undermine them." 
Hence from political considerations, aside from all others, 
the majority of religious people throughout the colonies 
• found themselves opposed to the interests of the Episcopal 
church. In this feeling the Baptists, who from their earli- 
est history have always advocated religious freedom, and 
equality among men, very naturally shared. The fact that 
the English Government, in its appointments to office, re- 
stricted its selection to members of the Episcopal church, 
contributed not a little to this feeling. It is not, therefore, 
unreasonable to infer that they regarded with no favorable 
eye institutions of learning where sectarian and restrictive 
influences prevailed. In order, however, to a proper un- 
derstanding of the origin of Brown University, it may be 
well at this point to go back half a century, and consider 
briefly the first distinct organization on this continent of 
the Baptists as a religious society. 

In the year 1707, on the 27th of July, a meeting of del- 
egates from Baptist churches in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, 
and Delaware was held at Philadelphia. The object of 
this meeting, as appears from the records, was " to consult 
about such things as were wanting in the churches, and set 
them in order," and in general to promote the welfare of 
the denomination. Hence the origin of the Philadelphia 
Association. ^The brethren who assembled on this occa- 
sion represented the churches at Lower Dublin, Middle- 
town, Piscataqua, Cohansie, and Welsh Tract. The General 
Meeting, so called, which had been held at Philadelphia 
from 1689, was thus transformed into an Association of 
Messengers^ authorized by their respective churches to de- 
vise and execute designs of public good. From its begin- 
ning, it has been a flourishing body. According to the 



40 MANNING AND Chap. I. 

statistics of its 156th anniversary, held on the 6th, 7th, and 
8th of October, 1863, it now comprises sixty churches, with 
a membership, if we may so speak, of 12,862. At a com- 
paratively early period, the churches thus associated pro- 
jected plans to secure an educated ministry. In looking 
over the records, w^e find in 1722 a proposition "for the 
churches to make inquiry among themselves, if they have 
any young persons hopeful for the ministry, and inclinable 
for learning ; and if they have, to give notice of it to Mr. 
Abel Morgan, before the first of November, that he might 
recommend such to the academy, on Mr. Ilollis, his ac- 
count." Reference is here had to Thomas Hollis, Esq., of 
London, the distinguished benefactor of Harvard Uni- 
versity.^ He had recently founded ten scholarships, 
directing that the incumbents should be poor students, 
who were intended for the " ministry of the gospel of Jesus 
Christ;" "and that none," to use his own language, " be 
refused on account of his belief and practice of adult bap- 
tism, if he be sober and religiously inclined." In a letter 
to the Rev. E{)hraim Wheaton, of Swanzey, Massachusetts, 
which we find published in the first volume of the Jlassa- 
chusetts Missionary Magazine^ Mr. Hollis, in reference to 

1 Mr. Hollis commenced his donations to Harvard in 1719. Besides making 
valuable additions to the library and philosophical apparatus, he established a 
fund for the support of ten poor scholars, a Professor of Divinity, and a Pro- 
fessor of Slathemutics and Natural Philosophy; the scholars to receive each £10 
currency per annum, and the professors each a salary of £^ currency, or £26 
sterling. "The aggregate of his donations," says Peirce in his history of the 
University, " wiss not much, if at all, short of £2000 sterling. So large an 
amount was never given to the college before by any one individual: and when 
it is considered that all this came from a stranger in a distant land, from one of 
the then poor, (kfipised Baptists, during the lifetime of the donor, and at a time 
when the value of money was vastly greater than it is now, what breast does not 
glow with grateful admiration! Some idea may be formed of the difference in 
the value of money then and now, by considering that the salary of a professor 
AvasaKirbl only £2Gbtcrling, and thai tiiis was (hen called an iiouoiablestij)end." 



1738-1764. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 41 

these scbolai'ships, sj^eaks of having made provision for 
^'■Baptist youth to be educated for the ministry, and 
equally regarded with Psedobaptists," and requests Mr. 
Wheaton to inform him of any duly qualified, that he may 
recommend them for the first vacancy. He also corre- 
sponded with the Philadelphia Association on the subject. 
Hence the churches were .fully authorized to avail them- 
selves of his generosity. This provision, however, of Mr. 
HolHs, proved of little avail to the Baptists, in consequence 
of the growing unfriendliness exhibited towards them 
throughout most of the New England States. Meanwhile, 
churches of their faith and order were rapidly multiplying ; 
and as educated ministers could not be had in numbers 
sufficient to supply the demand, they were compelled to 
accept the services of men, who, though destitute of the 
aids of literary and scientific culture, were nevertheless 
taught by the Holy Spirit; and who, with hearts overflow- 
ing with love and zeal, proclaimed the precious truths of 
the gospel with a power, unction, and success which have 
not always been the accompaniments of a learned ministry. 
In the year 1756, the academy at Hopewell was estab- 
lished, as we have already stated, by the Rev. Isaac Eaton, 
a name dear to the Baptist society in America, and to all 
true friends of learning and religion. In the welfare and 
progress of this academy, the Philadelphia and Charleston 
Associations ever manifested a lively interest. They ap- 
pointed certain trustees to have a general oversight of its 
affairs, and generously contributed towards its support a 
fund, of which the parent association furnished about four 
hundred pounds. Under the wise supervision of its founder 
and principal, it was continued eleven years, during which 
time, many, who afterwards became eminent in the ministry, 
received thereat the rudiments of an education. Among 
4* 



42 MANNING AND Chap. I. 

them may be mentioned, besides Manning, Dr. Samuel 
Jones, Dr. Hezekiah Smith, Dr. Isaac Skillman, David 
Thomas, John Davis, William Williams, Robert Keith, 
Charles Thompson, David Jones, John Sutton, David Sut- 
ton, James Talbot, John Blackwell, Joseph Powell, Wil- 
liam Worth, and Levi Bonnel. Not a few of Mr. Eaton's 
students distinguished themselves, in the professions of 
medicine and law. Of this latter class was the Hon. Judge 
Howell, of whom we shall have occasion hereafter to make 
frequent mention. 

This attempt to introduce learning in the Baptist society- 
having succeeded beyond the most sanguine expectations 
of its friends, the churches were encouraged to extend their 
designs for the promotion of letters, by the establishment, 
in some part of the colonies, of a college or university. 
Many of them had been supplied with able pastors from 
the academy, and had thus become convinced from expe- 
rience of the great usefulness of a classical and scientific 
education, in more thoroughly furnishing the man of God 
for the work of the gospel ministry. At first it seemed 
most fitting'to commence the undertaking in some one of 
the southern colonies ; but several members of the Associa- 
tion having visited the New England States, and seen the 
great increase of Baptist churches there, and having ascer- 
tained the fact that the government of Rhode Island^ was 
chiefly in the hands of those who would be likely to favor 



1 Mr. Edwards, in his " Materials," etc., says, " The Province of Khode Island 
and Provideucemay on some accounts be styled the Land of Baptists; " first, be- 
cause " they who settled the country were chiefly of that denomination ; " second- 
ly, because •' they have always been more numerous than any other sect of Chris- 
tians whicli dwell therein, two lifths of the inhabitants, at least, being reputed 
Baptists; " thirdly, because " the Baptists in this Government have always had 
much power in their hands, both legislative and executive. Their governors, 
deputy governors, judges, assembly men, justices, and oflicers (military and 



1738-1764. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 43 

the design, it was determined to make the effort in that 
colony, which originally had been settled by persons of the 
Baptist, persuasion. 

On the 12th of October, 1762, the Association, now com- 
prising twenty-nine churches, met at the Lutheran Church, 
in Fifth Street, Philadelphia. The Rev. Morgan Edwards 
was chosen moderator, and the Rev. Abel Morgan, clerk. 
At this meeting, says Backus, "the Association obtained 
such an acquaintance with the affiairs of Rhode Island, as 
to bring themselves to an apprehension that it was prac- 
ticable and expedient to erect a college in the colony of 
Rhode Island, under the chief direction of the Baptists, in 
which education might be promoted, and superior learning 
obtained, free from any sectarian tests." The principal 
mover in this matter was Morgan Edwards, to whom, with 
the Rev. Samuel Jones, the business in general appears 
to have been intrusted. This gentleman, who had but 
recently been settled in Philadelphia, was a native of 
Wales, having come to this country upon the recommend- 
ation of Dr. Gill and other prominent ministers in London. 
He had been bred an Episcopalian, but in 1738 he embraced 
the sentiments of the Baptists. He received his academ- 
ical education in Bristol, under Dr. Foskett, and in his 
sixteenth year entered upon the work of the Christian 
ministry. Possessing superior abilities, united with great 
perseverance and zeal, he became the leader in various 
denominational enterprises, devoting to them his time 
and talents, and thereby rendering essential service to the 
cause. Many of his sermons, treatises, and historical 



civil) have been chiefly of that denomination. The last reason I shall mention 
is, that their college is a Baptist college; the Baptists only made the motion for 
it', the Baptists only gathered money to endow it; the head of it, and about two 
thirds of the Fellows and Trustees, must ever be of that denomination." 



44 MANNING AND Chap. I. 

works have been published. In one of them, entitled " Ma- 
terials towards a History of the Baptists in Pennsyl- 
vania," he speaks of himself as having "labored hard to 
settle a Baptist college in Rhode Island Government, and 
to raise money to endow it ; which he deems the greatest 
service he has done or hopes to do for the Baptist interest." 
This was in 1770. Mr. Edwards died on the 28th of Jan- 
uary, 1795, in the seventy-third year of his age. His funeral 
sermon, preached by the Rev. Dr. William Rogers, was 
published in Dr. Rippon's A^mual Ilegistei\ a work printed 
in London. This sermon gives an analysis of his charac- 
ter,^ and an enumeration of his published writings. 

1 Dr. Rogers' friendly estimate of Mr. Edwards's character and influence, as 
recorded in this sermon, was that of his brethren and associates generally. It is 
understood, however, that Mr. Edwards's relations with the church in Thiladel- 
phia during the latter part of his ministry were not entirely harmonious. In 
1770, he preached a New Year's sermon from the text, " This year thou shalt 
die." He had, from some unaccountable impulse, been led to believe that he 
should die on a particular day, and this sermon was supposed by some to have 
been intended as his own funeral sermon. This circumstance could not but 
eflect his reputation injuriously. In addition to this, he is said to have indulged, 
occasionally, in the excessive use of intoxicating drinks. Under these circum- 
stances, he voluntarily resigned his charge, preaching occasionally until the set- 
tlement ot his successor, Dr. Rogers, in 1772. The following extract from letters 
addressed to the Rev. Hezekiah Smith, by the Rev. Francis Telot, of Eutaw, 
South Carolina, shows Mr. Edwards's position at this time in a friendly light. 
The letter is dated Oct. 28, 1771. '• I then wish " (referring to the Thiladelphia 
church) " they would agree with their Mr. Edwards again. Thus I argue to 
myself: ' If he may preach occasionally, why not steadily? ' 'Oh! but he has 
not behaved as well as he should.' I reply, 'There cannot be anything immoral, 
or he would not be allowed to preach occasionally, and the mantle ciiAKiTy, 
would easily cover small imperfections. Besides, the i)resent dissatisfaction, no 
doubt, would make him more cautious for the future, and might be a means of 
preserving the usefulness of a talented man, — a man Avho has scarce his fellow in 
a warm attachment to the Baptist interest.' " In a letter dated April 8, 1772, Mr. 
I'clot adds, '• We were favored with the company of Rev. Morgan Edwards at ray 
house for about a week in last January. We also had his company at our Asso- 
ciation. We all esteem him as a sensible, good man, and he left us all full of lovo 
to him." 

Ilev. Oliver liurt, of Charleston, South Carolina, iu a letter also to Mr. Smith, 



1738-17G4. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 45 

It was while on bis tour through the colonies, after his 
ordination, that Manning, to whom this enterprise had 
been specially intrusted, first made his appearance in 
Rhode Island, accompanied by the Rev. John Sutton, of 
Elizabethtown. Both were members, at this time, of the 
Philadelphia Association. He was now twenty-five years 
of agCj of a fine, commanding appearance, pleasing man- 
ner, and polished address. His person, says a writer, was 
graceful, and his countenance handsome and remarkably 
expressive of sensibility, dignity, and cheerfulness. He 
possessed a voice of extraordinary compass and harmony, 
to which, in no small degree, may be ascribed the vivid 
impression which he made uj^on other minds. In his 
manners, which seemed to be the natural expression of 
dignity and grace, he combined ease without negligence, 
and politeness without affectation. Blest with an amiable 
disposition, and possessing versatile colloquial powers, he 
was most engaging and instructive as a companion. He 
possessed, moreover, genuine piety, and a benevolence 
which beamed in every feature. And when to all these 

dated Feb. 27, 1772, thus writes: " Rev. Mr. Edwards from Philadelphia has been 
here, and tarried with us about three weeks. He is a great good man, but some 
say he preaches too slow." And in a second letter, written the next mouth, he 
further adds, " In my last I informed you that we had the pleasure of Mr. Ed- 
wards's company at our Association. He is a great good man ; firmly attached to 
the Baptist interest, to promote which he cheerfully encounters all difficulties." 
These testimonials, coming voluntarily from two of the most prominent Baptist 
ministers of the South, show that Mr. Edwards, even at a time when his sun ap- 
peared to be obscured, was a man highly esteemed, and that he was worthy of 
the honor, which is accorded to him, of having been the prime mover in origi- 
nating and founding Brown University. 

Mr. Edwards was twice married. His first wife was Mary Nunn, originally of 
Cork, Ireland, by whom he had several children. His second wife was Mrs. 
Sinclair, of Delaware, whose decease occurred previous to his own. One of his 
eons was a military officer in the British service. During the war he himself 
adhered to the cause of Great Britian, and was justly ranked with the Tories; 
although his Toryism seemed rather a matter of principle than of action. 



4G MANNING AND CiiAr. I. 

gifts and accomplishments we add sterling good sense, for 
which he was preeminently distinguished, and superior 
learning, it will readily be perceived that he was well 
fitted to act as a pioneer in the great educational work 
before him. The history of the enterprise from this point 
may best be given in Manning's own language, which we 
find in a work among the manuscript writings of the Rev. 
Morgan Edwards, entitled " Materials towards a History 
of the Baptists in Rhode Island." 

manning's narrative. 

"In the month of July, 1763, we arrived at Newport, and made a 
motion to several gentlemen of the Baptist denomination — whereof Col. 
Gardner, the Deputy Governor, was one — relative to a seminary of polite 
literature, subject to the government of the Baptists. Tlic motion was 
properly attended to, which brought together about fifteen gentlemen of 
the same denomination at the deputy's house, who requested that I would 
draw a sketch of the design, against the day following. That day came ; 
and the said gentlemen, with other Baptists, met in the same place, when 
a rough draught was produced and read, — the tenor of which was, that 
the institution was to be a Baptist one, but that as many of other denom- 
inations should be taken in as was consistent with the said design .1 Ac- 

> " Never," says the Rev. Dr. Cutting, in an article in the Ifew TorJc Recorder^ 
published Sept. 20, 1854, which we here quote, " were men more decided in 
religious faith than the settlers of Rhode Island. It was their positive and zeal- 
ous traits which from the four quarters of the earth sent them thither for shelter, 
and there they contended with each other like earnest men. And yet they 
practised mutual tolerance, because the rights of conscience were inviolable, 
and charity was a duty and a grace. 

*' We suppose this to be the true spirit of Brown University in its relations to 
religion. Providing in its charter for a majority of Baptists in its corporation, 
it embraces in certain proportions, likewise, Episcopalians, Quakers, aud Con- 
gregationalists; not because the differences between Baptists, Episcopalians, 
Quakers, and Congrcgationalists are not of importance, but because the things 
which they hold in common, and the spirit of their common faith, furnish ample 
V grouud for cooperation in the cause of 'polite literature.' It is the honor of 
the Baptists that, when, by the intolerance of other colonies, they were driven to 



738-1764. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 47 

cordingly, the Hon. Josias Lyndon and Col. Job Bennet were appointed 
to draw a charter to be laid before the next General Assembly, with a 
petition that they would pass it into a law. But the said gentlemen 
pleading unskilfuluess touching an affair of the kind, requested that their 
trusty friend, the Rev. Ezra, now Dr. Stiles, might be solicited to assist 
them. This was opposed by me as unwilling to give the Doctor trouble 
about an affair of other people ; but they urged that his love of learning 
and Catholicism would induce him readily to give his assistance. Ac- 
cordingly their proposition was consented to, and his assistance obtained ; 
or, rather, the draughting of the charter Avas left entirely to him,i after 
being told that the Baptists were to have the lead in the institution, and 



Rhode Island to establish their college, they proceeded at once, and of their 
own motion, to call in the counsels of gentlemen of other denominations, and 
to admit them to a share in the government, though their catholicity had well- 
nigh cost them the total loss of all which they had undertaken. They did this, 
not to merge their faith in a common indiflferentism, but to illustrate a compre- 
hensive charity. They had a 'main design,' and a subordinate and collateral 
one. The ' main design ' was a Baptist college, especially for the education ofl 
their ministry ; subordinate to this, and consistent with it, was the design of an 
institution which, enlisting a common interest, should confer common blessings 
upon other denominations and upon the State. Such a scheme was at the 
time utterly without a parallel, and must have been regarded in the other col- 
onies with something of the amazement with which the inhabitants of Massa- 
chusetts Bay had looked, at an earlier day, upon the broad religious liberty of 
Rhode Island and the Providence Plantations. In this original spirit, as we 
beheve, should the University be administered forever; men of diverse faiths 
working together, not because of indifferentisra, but of charity, — not as the less 
Baptists, Episcopalians, Quakers, and Congregationalists, but as men of common 
interests in a work which honors and blesses all. It would be a shame if such 
an institution should not be, as always it has been, in the highest and best sense 
catholic. In our view, if its catholicity degenerated to indifferentism, it would^ 
cease to represent both the spirit and the designs of its founders." 

1 Prof Kingsley, in his Life of Dr. Stiles, states that " a committee of Baptists 
and Congregationalists was appointed to draft a charter of a college ; and of 
this body, Mr. Stiles and Mr. William Ellery were designated to prepare such an 
instrument for their consideration." " It is highly probable," he further adds, 
" from internal evidence, that the charter was drawn principally by Mr. Stiles; 
Mr. Ellery having little concern in pi-eparing it, except to see to the correctness 
'of the legal language. Whoever drew it, he had obviously before him the char- 
ters of Yale College, and was familiar with the questions which had arisen with 
respect to them. The privileges secured to the University by this charter are 
very ample; and the language of the several provisions is remarkably full, 



48 MANNING AND Chap. I. 

the government thereof, forever ; and that no more of other denomhiations 
were to be admitted than would be consistent with that. The charter 
was drawn, and a time and place were appointed for the parties concerned 
to meet and hear it read. But the vessel in which I was to sail for Hali- 
fax going off that day, prevented my being present with them long enough 
to see whether the original design was secured ; and as the corporation 
was made to consist of two branches. Trustees and Fellows, and these 
branches to sit and act by distinct and separate powers, it was not easy 
to determine, by a transient hearing, what those powers might be. The 
Trustees were presumed to be the principal branch of authority; and 
as nineteen out of thirty-five were to be Baptists, the Baptists were sat- 
isfied, without suflBcient examination into the authority vested in the 
fellowship, which afterwards appeared to be the soul of the institution, 
while the trusteeship was only the body. Placing, therefore, an entire con- 
fidence in Dr. Stiles, they agreed to join in a petition to the Assembly to 
have the charter confirmed by authority. The petition was preferred, and 
cheerfully received, and the charter read ; after which a vote was called 
for, and urged by some to pass into a law. But this was opposed by others, 
particularly by Daniel Jenckes, Esq., member for Providence, who con- 
tended that the Assembly required more time to examine whether it was 
agreeable to the design of the first movers for it, and therefore prayed 
the house to have the perusal of it, while they adjourned for dinner. This 
was granted, with some opposition. Then he asked the Governor, who 
was a Baptist, whom they intended to invest with the governing power in 
said institution ? The Governor answered, " The Baptists, by all means." 
Then Mr. Jenckes showed him that the charter was so artfully con- 
structed as to throw the power into the Fellows' hands, whereof eight out 

precise, and explicit. It is, undoubtedly, in many respects, one of the best 
college charters in New England." (See Appendix.) 

From Prof. Kingslcy's statements, it would appear that Baptists and Congre- 
gationalists were alike interested in the movement, and that a joint committee 
representing the two denominations was appointed to draft the charter. From 
the statements, however, of Backus, Edwards, Manning, and Jenckes, it is evident 
that Baptists alone were the originators of the undertaking; that IJaptists alone 
met at the Deputy Governor's house in Newport, in July, 17G3; that, of their 
number, Lyndon and Bcnnet were appointed to draft a charter in accordance 
with a plan sketched by Manning; that these gentlemen, " pleading unskilful- 
uess," re(iuc8ted that Dr. Sliles "might be solicited to assist them;-' and that 
this was at first opposed by Manning, who was " unwilling to give the Doctor 
trouble about an alTair of other i)eople." 



1738-1764. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 40 

of twelve were Presbyterians, usually called Congregationalists, and that 
the other four might be of the same denomination, for aught that appeared 
in the charter to the contrary. Convinced of this, Governor Lyndon imme- 
diately had an interview with Dr. Stiles, the Presbyterian minister of 
Newport, and demanded why he had perverted the design of the charter. 
The answer was, " I gave you timely warning to take care of yourselves, 
for that we had done so with regard to our society ; " ^ and finally observed, 
that " he was not the rogue.'' When the Assembly was convened again, 
the said Jenckes moved that the affair might be put off to the next ses- 

i In Prof. Khigsley's Life of Dr. Stiles, to which we have already alluded, we 
find it stated that the project of a college in Ehode Island had been the suhji^ct 
of serious deliberation a cousiderable time before the charter was actually 
granted by the Legislature, and that in this matter Dr. Stiles had taken a prom- 
inent part, collecting statistics, etc. His plan was, to unite several denominations 
of Christians in the enterprise, both in America and in Great Britain, and thus, 
by proper care, make the dissenting interest eventually exceed the Episcopal 
establishment. The whole number of churches of the Congregational, Presby- 
terian, and Baptist denominations, not only in the colonies, but in Great Britain 
and Ireland, he ascertained to be three thousand six hundred and thirty-eight. 
" He supposed that all these churches might be induced to contribute to the 
establishment and support of an institution which would so greatly subserve 
their interests." The arrival at Kewport of Mr. Manning, and the proposition 
made by him for the establishment of a Baptist college, interfered, of course, 
with his cherished views and plans. It is therefore not surprising that he should 
have been unwilling to see them defeated, without a struggle on his part to 
carry them into effect. We can understand how an attempt should have been 
made, either by Dr. Stiles or his associates, in drafting an act of incoporation 
for a college in Rhode Island, to pay special " regard " to the interests of their 
own "society."' That there was disappointment on both sides, and at the time 
mutual recriminations, is evident from the narrative. Under similar circum- 
stances there doubtless would be again, human nature being very much the 
same now as in the days of our ancestors. It is due to Dr. Stiles, to state that 
he afterwards cherished friendly feelings towards the institution. Having been 
elected to a fellowship in the college, and solicited by repeated deputations 
from the corporation to accept the trust, he thus writes to the chancellor and 
Trustees. "1 was too sincere a fiieud to literature not to have taken part in the 
institution at first, upon my nomination in the charter, had I not been prevented 
by reasons which a subsequent immediate election could not remove." One of 
the reasons assigned in this letter, as stated by Dr. Manning, in a letter to the Ilcv. 
John Kyland, dated May 20, 1773, was " the offence he should give his brethren 
should he accept it." Whatever the reasons were, they still influenced him to 
decline the office to which he was invited, with suitable acknowledgments of the 
politeness and respect with which he was treated on this occasion. His letter 

5 



iJO M A N N I N G A N D Chap. I. 

sion ; adding, that the motion for a college originated with the Baptists, 
and was intended for their use, but that the charter in question was not at 
all calculated to answer their purpose ; and since the committee intrusted 
with this matter by the Baptists professed they had been misled, not to 
say imposed upon, it Avas necessary that the Baptists in other parts of the 
colony should be consulted previous to its passing into a law, especially 
as few, if any of them except himself, had seen it ; and he prayed that he 
might have a copy for the said purpose, which he promised to return. 
All which was granted. When the charter came to be narrowly inspected, 
it was found to be by no means answerable to the design of the agitators 
and the instructions given the committee. Consequently, application was 
made to the Philadelphia Association, where the thing took its rise, to 
have their mind on the subject, who immediately sent two gentlemen^ 
hither to join with the Baptists of this colony in making such alterations 
and amendments as were to them specified before their departure. When 
they arrived, Dr.Eyres^ of Newport was added to the committee, and they 

conclucies with the catholic and pious wish that " the Father of lights, from 
whom comes down every good and perfect gift, may excite the public muuili" 
cence, and raise up benefactors, through whose liberalities this institution shall 
be completed with an ample endowment." (Holmes's Life of President Stiles, 
page 117.) 

^ On the margin of the manuscript, in the handwriting of tlie Rev. Dr. Jones, 
who was Morgan Edwards's intimate friend, is the following, namely, "Why 
their names are not mentioned, I cannot say. However, there was no one sent 
but myself, although 3Ir. Robert Strettle Joues was so kind as to bear me com- 
pany to Rhode Island on the occasion. — Samukl Jones." Mr. Jones, it will 
be remembered, in connection with Mr. Edwards, had been intrusted by the 
Association with the business in general of founding a Baptist college or univer- 
Bity. lie had, at this date, but recently been ordained iu Thiladelphia. He 
was a young man of liberal education, and a ready and skillul writer; hence 
his special fitness for the duty assigned him in this emergency. The following 
extract from notes to a century sermon delivered by him before the riiiladel- 
phia Baptist Association, Oct. 6, 1807, nearly fifty years afterwards, shows the 
manner in which he performed his mission : " In the fall of 1763, the writer of 
these sheets, on request, repaired to Newport in Rhode Island, and new-modelled 
a rough draught they had of a charter of incorporation for a college, which 
poon after obtained legislative sanction." 

2 Thomas Eyres, a physician, the lirst secretary of the corporation, and a 
Fellow of the college from 1764 until his death in 1788. lie was graduated at 
Yale College, in the Class of 1754. Ilis father, Elder Nicholas Eyres, was pastor 
of the Second Baptist Church in Newport from 1731 until his death, Feb- 13, 
1759. (See Backus.) 



1738-1761. BROWN UNIVERSITY. . 51 

happily draughted the present charter, and lodged it, with a new petition, 
in proper hands. The most material alterations were, appointing the 
same number of Baptists in the fellowship that had been appointed of 
the Presbyterians, by Dr. Stiles ; settling the presidency in the Baptist 
society ; adding five Baptists to the Trustees, and putting more Episcopa- 
lians than Presbyterians in the corporation." 

Among the alterations not here enumerated by Manning, 
were, electing the President by the corporation instead 
of exclusively by the Trustees; providing for convoking 
an assembly of the corporation on twenty days' notice 
instead of six ; making five a quorum of the Board of 
Fellows instead of eight ; and striking out the clause 
making the places of Trustees or Fellows who should re- 
move out of tlie State, vacant. By confining membership 
in the corporation to persons residing within the limits of 
the colony, the original charter excluded the originators 
and founders of the college. Hence, in the list of names 
proposed by Dr. Stiles to be incorporated, the following, 
which we find in the printed charter, as suggested by the 
committee, are omitted; namely. Rev. Morgan Edwards, 
Rev. Samuel Jones, Rev. James Manning, Rev. Isaac Eaton, 
Rev. John Gano, Rev. Samuel Stillman, Rev. Jeremiah 
Condy, and Robert Strettle Jones, Esq. The names of 
Hezekiah Smith, Isaac Backus, William Williams, and 
others from out of the State, who rendered such signal 
service in the early history of the college, would also have 
been excluded from membership in the corporation by the 
charter as originally drafted. (See Appendix.) 

Mr. Jen ekes, to whom Manning refers in his Narrative, 
was a wealthy merchant of Providence, and an active mem- 
ber of the Baptist church. He died Jnly 7, 1774, in the 
seventy-third year of his age, having continued, says the 
record, a church-member forty-eight years " without ecu- 



^'^ MANNING AND Chap. I. 

sure." He was for forty years a member of the General 
Assembly, and for nearly thirty years Chief Justice of 
the Providence County Court. His daughter Rhoda was 
the motlier of the Hon. K'icholas Brown, from whom the 
University derives it name, and also of the late Mrs. Hope 
Ives, after whom Hope College was named. Among the 
manuscript writings of Morgan Edwards, we also find, in 
the same volume from which Manning's Narrative is taken, 
a history of the college charter, by Judge Jenckes, which 
we hei-e give, as follows : — 



JENKES'S HISTOKY OF THE CHARTER. 

"While I attended the business of the Assembly, held August, 1763, 
Capt. "William Rogers came to the Council Chamber and presented me 
with a paper, with a design I should sign it ; adding, that, as it was a peti- 
tion for a Baptist college, he knew I would not refuse. Business not 
permitting me to attend to it immediately, I requested lie would leave 
with me the petition and charter. Meanwhile, tlie sergeant made procla- 
mation requiring the members to take theii' seats. In my seat I began to 
read the papers, but had not done before the petition and charter were 
called for, wliich I gave to the sergeant, and he to the speaker at the 
board. The petition being read, a motion was made to receive it, and 
grant the charter. After some time I stood uj) to oppose, proceeding 
immediately on the petition, giving my reason in Avords to this effect. 
* I understood that the college in question was sought for by the Baptists ; 
and that it was to be under their government and direction, with the 
admission only of a few of other religious denominations to share with 
them therein, that they might appear as catholic as could be, consistent 
with their main design ; but, on the contrary, I perceived by glancing over 
the charter, while I sat in my place just now, that the main power and 
direction is vested in twelve Fellows, and that eight out of the twelve are 
to be Presbyterians ; and tliat the others may or may not be of the same 
denomination ; but of necessity, none of them are to be Baptists. If so, 
there is treachery somewhere, and a design of gossly imposing on the 
honest people who first moved for the institution. I desire, therefore, that 



1738-17G4. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 53 

the matter may lie by till the afternoon.' This was granted. In the 
afternoon the matter was resumed, with a seeming resolution in some to 
push it through at all events ; but I had influence enough to stop proceed- 
ings then also. That evening and the next morning, I made it my busi- 
ness to see Governor Lyndon and Col. Bennet, and to inform them of the 
construction of the charter. They could not believe me, for the confidence 
they had in Dr. Stiles's honor and integrity, until seeing convinced them ; 
what reflections followed may be better concealed than published. How- 
ever, we all agreed to postpone passing the charter into a law, and did 
effect our purpose for that session, notwithstanding the attempts of Mr. 
Ellery and others of the Presbyterians to the contrary. Before the break- 
ing up of the Assembly, the house, at my request, directed the speaker to 
deliver the charter to me, after I had made a promise it should be forth- 
coming at the next meeting of the Assembly. 

I took the charter to Providence, and showed it to many who came to 
my house ; others borrowed it to peruse at home. Meanwhile, the messen- 
gers from the Philadelphia Association arrived in Newport, which occa- 
sioned the committee of Newport to send to me for the charter. I asked 
for it of Dr. Ephraim Bowen, who had borrowed it last. The Doctor said 
he lent it to Samuel Nightingale, Esq. Search was made for it there, but 
it could not be found ; neither do I know to this day what became of it.' 
When the next General Assembly met (last Wednesday in October, 1763), 
the second charter was presented ; which was much faulted, and opposed 
by the gentry who concerned themselves so warmly about the other. And 
one in particular demanded that the first charter, which had been in- 
tinisted to me, might be produced. Then I related, as above, that it was 
lost, and the manner how it was lost ; but the party, instead of believing 
this, very rudely suggested that I had secreted the charter, and in the 

1 This important document, which was lost for nearly a century, has re- 
cently been placed among the archives of the University. It was found, some 
twenty years since, among the files and papers of the church over which Dr. 
Stiles presided. It is in the handwriting of the author, and was evidently copied 
from the " rough draft " with great care. A careful comparison of this docu- 
ment with the charter which was finally granted by the General Assembly, fully 
confirms all the statements in reference thereto made by Manning and Jenckes. 
It shows also how much the University is indebted to Dr. Stiles for the phrase- 
ology of the instrument that gave it an existence, and for the fulness and pre- 
cision with which all its privileges are granted and its provisions stated. The 
document is published in the Appendix^ with the changes made by the commit- 
tee or " messengers." 



54 MANNING AND Chap. I. 

face of the court charged inc witli a breach of trust ; which brought on 
very disagreeable altercations and bickerings, until, at last, I was necessi- 
tated to say, that ' if there had been any foul doings, it was amongst 
them of their own denomination at Providence.' Their clamors contin- 
ued ; and we gave way to them that session for peace sake. Meanwhile, 
Dr. Bowen, who is a man of strict honor and integrity, used all means to 
recover the former chartei-, posting an advertisement in the most public 
jjlaces in town, and making diligent inquiry ; but to no purpose. At the 
next Assembly, which met in February, 1764, the new charter was again 
brought on the carpet ; and the same clamor against it, and unju:st re- 
proaches against me, were repeated. It was said that the new charter was 
not like the old, and was constructed to deprive the Presbyterians of the 
benefit of the institution. To which it was replied, ' that it was agreeable 
to the designs of the first undertakers, and if calculated to deprive the 
Presbyterians of the power they wanted, it was no more than what tbey 
themselves had attempted to do to the Baptists.' After much and warm 
debate, the question was put and earned in favor of the new charter, by a 
great majority." 

From the foregoing accounts, or narratives, it appears, 
(1) That President Manning drew up a plan of the college, 
and presented it to a company of Baptist gentlemen, at 
Newport, in the month of July, 17G3. (2) That the Hon. 
Josias Lyndon and Colonel Job Bennct were appointed 
to draw a charter, in accordance with said i)lan, to be 
laid before the next General Assembly, with a petition 
that it might be made a law. (3) That the assistance of 
the Rev. Dr. Stiles, afterwards President of Yale College, 
was solicited and obtained. (4) That the drafting of the 
charter was left entirely to Dr. Stiles ; and that he, in turn, 
was assisted by the Hon. William Ellery. (o) That the 
charter was accordingly drawn, and a time and j)lace were 
appointed for the parties concerned to meet and hear it 
read. (C) That Manning, being obliged to leave on that 
day for Halifax, was unable to be with the committee long 
enough to see Avhether tlie original design was secured. 



1738-17G4. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 55 

and that the Baptists, being satisfied, without sufficient 
examination into the authority vested in the fellowship, 
and. reposing entire confidence in Dr. Stiles, agreed to join 
in a petition to the General Assembly to have the charter 
confirmed by authority. (7) That the petition and charter 
were accordingly presented to the General Assembly in 
August, 1763, but that action thereon was postponed until 
the next session, through the influence of the Hon. Daniel 
Jenckes, the attempts of Mr. Ellery and others of the Pres* 
byterians to the contrary notwithstanding. (8) That the 
charter was found on inspection to be so drawn as to vest 
the main power and direction of the institution in a board 
of twelve Fellows, eight of whom were to be Presbyte- 
rians, and the other four of the same denomination, for 
aught that aj)peared to the contrary ; and that in general 
it did not answer to the original design. (9) That in this 
emergency application was made to the Philadelphia 
Association, "where the thing took its rise," to have their 
mind on the subject. (10) That they immediately sent to 
Newport the Rev. Samuel Jones, who was accompanied 
by Robert Strettle Jones, and that when they arrived. Dr. 
Eyres, of Newport, was added to the committee. (11) That, 
meanwhile, the original copy of the charter, presented to 
the General Assembly in August, which had been intrusted 
by that body to Mr. Jenckes, had been lost. (12) That 
the committee found at Newport a rough draft of a char- 
ter, which they happily remodelled, and that the most 
material alterations were, appointing the same number of 
Baptists in the fellowship that had been appointed of the 
Presbyterians by Dr. Stiles ; settling the presidency in 
the Baptist society ; adding five Baptists to the Trus- 
tees; putting more Episcopalians than Presbyterians in 
the corporation ; and extending the membership of the 



^^ MANXIXG AND Chap. I. 

corporation to persons residing out of the colony or state. 
From all this it is evident that the "rough draft" which 
the last committee remodelled was the one originally 
drawn by Dr. Stiles, and presented to the first committee 
in July, and from which a copy was undoubtedly made 
for the General Assembly. This copy, as w^e have already 
remarked, has recently been found among the archives of 
Dr. Stiles's church, and is now in the possession of the 
University. 

That the colleo^e owes its orio-in to the efibrts of men 
who were members of the Philadelphia Association, is ev- 
ident from its history thus far. The foUowins^ extracts 
from the minutes of this venerable body show the interest 
which it continued to manifest in the welfare and prog- 
ress of an institution which it had aided in bringing into 
beino' : — 

1764. " Agreed, to inform the churches to which we respectively belong, 
that, inasmuch as a charter is obtained in Khode Island Government 
towards erecting a Baptist college, the churches should be liberal in con- 
tributing towards carrying the same into execution." 1766. " Agreed, to 
recommend warmly to our churches the interest of the college, for which 
a subscription is opened all over the continent. This college hath been 
set on foot upwards of a year, and has now in it three promising youths 
under the tuition of President Manning." 1767. " Agreed, that Rev. Isaac 
Eaton, and John Hart, Esq., executors of Mrs. Hubs's will, be allowed 
to pay £14 towards the education of Charles Thompson (student in Rhode 
Island College) out of the interest of the legacy left by said IVIrs. Hubs 
for the use of the Association in Philadelphia." "Agreed, that the 
churches be requested to forward the subscription for Rhode Island Col- 
lege." 1769. " We received pleasing accounts from Rhode Island College. 
Seven commenced this fall. The colony has raised £1200 toAvards the 
building, which will be begun early in the spring. About £1000, lawful 
cuiTcncy of New England, have l)ecn sent us from home (Great Critain) 
towards making up a salary for the President ; and all the ministers of 
this Association have explicitly engaged to exert themselves in endeavor- 



1738-1764. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 57 

ing to raise money for the same pm*pose." " Kesolved, That the moneys 
which may be raised in the provinces of New York, New Jersey, and 
Pennsylvania, shall be put to hiterest, in those provinces, and not be taken 
out of cither ; except the interest which shall be subject to the order of 
the college to pay the President's salary, and for no other use. The per- 
sons appointed for receiving the donations are : In New York, the Rev. 
John Gano ; in the Jerseys, John Stites, Esq. ; in Pennsylvania, the 
Rev. Morgan Edwards. They are to sec that the securities be sufficient, 
and that the bonds, mortgages, etc., be deposited with the treasurer of the 
college." " Voted, That £14, Jersey currency, be given Mr. Thomas 
Eustick, towards defraying his expenses at the college," etc. 

1774. " The minutes and letters from Charleston Association, South 
Carolina, were read. The plan adopted by them respecting Rhode Isl- 
and College, recommended to us." " Agreed, to recommend the same 
to the churches we stand respectively related unto ; and that our brethren 
John Gano and William Rogers receive the moneys so raised, and remit 
the same to Colonel Job Bennet, treasurer." " The money raised for in- 
creasing the fund of Rhode Island College is as follows : The church 
at New York raised above what was proposed by the plan adopted ; 
church of Cohansie, 1.5s. ; church at Salem, 4s. 6d. ; Hugh Glassford, 7s. ; 
Andrew Bray, 5s. The last four sums above mentioned were received by 
Brother William Rogers." 

1782. "Voted, That the seventh article of the Warren Association 
Minutes be adopted by us, which is as follows : " The Association, from a 
representation made to them by the corporation of the college in Provi- 
dence of the low state of the funds of said college, and the urgent neces- 
sity of increasing them, in order to support suitable instructors therein, 
and from an idea of the great importance of good education, have taken 
into consideration, as the most probable method to accomplish this valu- 
able end, the recommendation of a subscription throughout all the Bap- 
tist societies on this continent, as well as to all the friends of literature of 
every denomination, on the following conditions : — 

" We, the subscribers, promise and engage to pay the several sums 

affixed to our names, to , to be by him paid to John Brown, Esq., of 

Providence, treasurer of the corporation, or his successor in said office, or 
order, to be placed at interest, and the interest only to be applied for the 
above purpose. 

"■ N. B. The several churches are desired to insert in the above blank 
the name of tl\e most suitable person in the society for this service." 



58 M A N N I N G A N D Cuap. I. 

The plan proposed by the Association in Charleston, 
S. C, for raising a fund for Rhode Island College, and 
adopted by the Philadelphia Association in 1774, as we 
learn from the foregoing extracts, and also during the 
same year by the Warren Association, was, in the language 
of the record, the "recommending to every member to pay 
si-xpence sterling, annually, for three years successively, 
to their elder, or some suitable person : this money to be 
paid to the treasurer of the college." At the same time, 
the Rev. Messrs. John Gano, Oliver Hart, and Francis 
Pelot were appointed, says Benedict, to address the Bap- 
tist associations throughout America, and urge their co- 
operation in these efforts to raise funds for the college. 
In reading this record, we are amused at the gravity with 
wliich a body of men recommended the payment of so 
small a sum as sixpence, or twelve and one half cents, 
towards endowing an institution of learning, especially 
when we contrast this witli the princely benefactions of 
later days. But further reflection soon changes any dis- 
position of this kind into a feeling of respect, and even of 
admiration. The Baptists of that early period were, as a 
people, poor, and, as Dr. Manning in one of his letters 
adds, " despised and oppressed." Tlie gifts and offerings 
which they thus contributed for the college were from the 
"res angusta domi,'''' from "pious enliglitened penury," to 
the noblest of all causes, the advancement of human learn- 
ing. All honor for the zeal and perseverance, the sacri- 
fices and the prayers, of these early friends of the college! 
Were their spirit emulated by their descendants, how 
soon would the resources of our public institutions be 
augmented, and their means of influence largely increased ! 

But to return. The charter finally granted by the Gen- 
eral Assemblv, out of which, savs Mr. Edwards, "the 



1738-1764. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 59 

Baptists narrowly escaped being jockied by a set of men 
in whom they reposed full confidence," is now, and must 
forever continue to be, the unalterable constitution of the 
college or university. By it the corporation is made to 
consist of two branches; namely, that of the Trustees and 
that of the Fellows, with distinct, separate, and respective 
powers. The Trustees are thirty-six in number, of whom 
twenty-two are forever to be elected of the denomination 
called Baptists or Antipjedobaptists, five of tlie denomina- 
tion called Friends or Quakers, five of the denomination 
called Episcopalians, and four of the denomination called 
Congregation alists. These were the denominations of New 
England a century ago. The number of the Fellows, in- 
cluding the President, who must always be a Fellow, is 
twelve, of whom eight are forever to be elected of the 
denomination called Baptists, and the rest indiflferently of 
any or all denominations. The President must forever be 
a Baptist. Once in three years the corporation, at its 
annual meetings, must choose from among the Trustees a 
chancellor of the university, and a treasurer ; and from 
among the Fellows, a secretary. The office of the chancel- 
lor is merely to preside as moderator of the Trustees; the 
President, or, in his absence, the senior Fellow, being the 
moderator of the Fellows. The instruction and immediate 
government of the college is, and must forever continue to 
rest in the President and Fellows, or fellowship, to whom, 
as a "learned faculty," belongs exclusively the privilege 
of adjudging and conferring the academical degrees. 

This charter, although it secures to the Baptists, as al 
ready stated, the control of the college, recognizes repeat- 
edly, and in most unequivocal terms, the grand principles 
of religious freedom, for which the descendants of Roger 
Williams, and all true Baptists of every age, have always 



CO MAXXING AND Chap. I. 

resolutely contended. Some of its provisions are as fol- 
lows: — 

And, furthermore, it is hereby enacted and declared. That into this lib- 
eral and catholic institution shall never be admitted any religious tests ; 
but, on the contrary, all the membei's hereof shall forever enjoy full, free, 
absolute, and uninterrupted liberty of conscience : And that the places of 
professors, tutors, and all other officers, the President alone excepted, 
shall be free and open for all denominations of Protestants : And tliat youth 
of all religious denominations shall and may be freely admitted to the equal 
advantages, emoluments, and honor of the college or university, and shall 
receive a like fair, generous, and equal treatment during their residence 
therein — they conducting themselves peaceably, and conforming to the 
laws and statutes thereof : And that the public teaching shall, in general, 
respect the sciences : And that tlie sectarian differences of opinions shall 
not make any part of tlic public and classical instruction ; although all 
religious controversies may be studied freely, examined, and explained b)' 
the President, professors, and tutoi's, in a personal, separate, and distinct 
manner, to the youth of any or each denomination : And, above all, a 
constant regard shall be paid to, and effectual care taken of, the morals 
of the college. 

The statutes of the college have been framed from time 
to time in accordance with the spirit of this charter. So 
long ago as 1783, those students who regularly observed 
the seveyith day as the Sabbath, were exempted from the 
operation of the law wdiich required every student, as a 
moral duty, to attend public worship on t\\c first day of 
the week. Those who statedly attended the JFricnds' 
meeting were expressly " permitted to wear their hats 
within the college walls," etc., and " young gentlemen 
of the Hebrew persuasion " were formally exempted from 
the operation of the law which commanded, on penalty of 
expulsion, that no student should deny the divine author- 
ity of the Old and New Testaments. And yet more, — in 



1738-1764. BROWN UNIVERSITY. Gl 

1770, the corporation of the college declared, as appears 
from the records, that "the children of Jews may be ad- 
mitted into this institution, and entirely enjoy the free- 
dom of their own religion, without any constraint or impo- 
sition whatever." These provisions of the charter, and of 
the statutes of the college, manifest, says a distinguished 
writer, a "delicate regard for the rights of conscience, for 
which, it is believed, hardly a parallel can be found in the 
history of similar institutions." 

And to " this liberal and catholic institution" the youth 
of all religious denominations have freely resorted, during 
the first century of its existence, for their education. Not 
a few of the pro.minent religious teachers and theologians 
connected w4th our various Christian sects or societies, 
throughout the land, received their permanent serious im- 
pressions during the revivals with which the college or 
university has, from its beginning, been graciously visited. 

We close this chapter with the following extract from 
Backus's Church History of ISTew England. Were the 
work generally accessible to the reading public, a mere 
reference might answer our purpose ; which is, to remove, 
as far as possible, all doubts in regard to the origin of this 
venerable seat of learning. It is, as will be seen, a brief 
recapitulation of the leading facts in the early history of 
the college, and serves to establish and confirm the state- 
ments already presented. The accuracy of Backus as an 
historian has never, we believe, been questioned. Ban- 
croft awards to him the highest praise. Being in the 
prime and vigor of life wdien the college was established, 
and one of the first Trustees, he was, of course, familiar with 
all the facts pertaining to its origin and early progress. 
6 



62 MANNING AND Chap. I. 



EXTEACT FROM BACKUS. 

" The uppermost party among Christians have ever had the command 
of all colleges, to educate religious teachers, as well as other men of supe- 
rior learning, until very lately. Even in 1780, no ministers but Coiigre<ja- 
tional ministers were allowed to be Overseers of the University at Cam- 
bridge, by the Massachusetts constitution of government. And great 
sums have been given to that University by the government, from time to 
time, ever since it began in 1638. But as Providence and Rhode Island 
Colony was planted by men who were banished from the Massachusetts, 
because they conscientiously dissented from the use of force in religious 
affairs, and that colony suffered amazingly from neiglibor colonies 'for 
more than an hundred years, the people have grown up with great preju- 
dices against colleges, and against obeying the laws of Christ for the sup- 
port of his ministers. But as a minister hath died this year (Dr. Man- 
ning) who has done much towards removing those prejudices, I shall give 
a concise account of the affair. ]VIi-. Isaac Eaton, who was pastor of the 
Baptist Church at Hopewell in New Jersey from 1748 to 1772, set up a 
school for the education of youth for the ministry, as well as for other 
callings, in 1756, and kept it for eleven years. One of his scholars was Mr. 
James Manning, who went from his school to the college at Princeton, 
where he took his first degree in September, 1762. And as the Philadel- 
phia Association were for erecting a college in Rhode Island Government, 
they fixed their eyes upon him as a proper leader in the affair. He there- 
fore called in at Newport, on his voyage to Halifax, in July, 1763, and 
proposed the matter to a number of Baptist gentlemen, wlio readily con- 
curred therewith ; and as they had a high oi)inion of a learned Congrega- 
tional minister among them, they desired him to make a draught of a 
charter for a college in that Government. It was proposed to take in some 
members of the several denominations among them, but that tlic Baptists 
should always be the majority of the corporation. He drew a charier, 
whicli appeared to be upon this plan, and it was introduced into their leg- 
islature ; but a Baptist gentleman discerned that there was a door Jcft 
open for the Congregational denomination to become the n)ajority here- 
after. Therefore the charter was not then passed into a law ; and when 
their legislature met again, the charter was not to be found. When this 
was heard of at Pliiladclpliia, two gentlemen were sent from thence, who 
assisted in drawing a new ciiarler, which was established by tiie legisla- 
ture of liliode Island, in Fol)ruarv, 1764." 



CHAPTER II. 

17G4-1769. 

First Meeting of the Corporation, at Newport — Character of the twcuty-four 
members present, representing the four religious denominations recognized 
in the Charter — Manning removes with his family to Warren — Begins a 
Latin School, now tlie " University Grammar School "— Employs a part of his 
time in preaching —Formation of the Warren Baptist Church — Appointed 
President of the College — Extract from a Letter of Kev. Isaac Backus to Dr. 
Gill of London — Suggests the formation of the Warren Association — Diffi- 
culties to be overcome — First Meeting of the Association, in 1767 — Letter 
from the Philadelphia Association — Second and third Meetings — Sentiments 
and Plan of the Warren Association as drawn up by Manning — Plan to col- 
lect grievances — Character and influence of the Association — Manning's 
prominence and usefulness as a member of the two Associations — Circular 
Letter by Manning — Letter to Hon. David Howell — Howell appointed Tutor 
of the College —Sketch of his Character — First Commencement of the Col- 
lege—Account from the Providence Gazette — Rev. Morgan Edwards's efforts 
in England and Ireland to secure funds for the College — Biographical Sketches 
of members of the first Graduating Class: Rev. Dr. William Rogers, Hon- 
James Mitchell Varnum, Rev. Charles Thompson, Rev. William Williams. 

The first meeting of the "Corporation for founding and 
endowing a College or University within the Colony of 
Ehode Island and Providence Plantations in New England 
in America," was held at Newport, on the first Wednes- 
day in September, 17G4. From this point, therefore, the 
commencement of the college properly dates. At this 
meeting the following gentlemen, twenty-four in number, 
as appears from the records, were present, and qualified 
themselves by taking the oath prescribed by the charter ; 
namely, Hon. Stephen Hopkins, Hon. Joseph Wanton, 
Hon. Samuel Ward, John Tillinghast, Simon Pease, James 



64 M A N X [ X G A X D Chap. II. 

Honeyriian, Xieholas Easton, Nicholas Tilliugliast, Daniel 
Jenckes, Nicholas Brown, Joshua Babcock, John G. Wan- 
ton, Rev. Edward Upham, Rev. Jeremiah Condy, Rev. 
Gardner Thurston, Rev. John Maxson, Rev. Samuel Win- 
sor, Rev. James Manning, Josias Lyndon, Job Bennet, Jr., 
Ephraim Bowen, Edward Thurston, Jr., Thomas Eyres, 
and Peleg Barker. The Hon. Stephen Hopkins, Esq., was 
cliosen chancellor, John Tillinghast, Esq., treasurer, and 
Dr. Thomas Eyres, secretary. The form of a certificate, 
authorizing persons to receive donations for the college, was 
adopted, and also the form of a receipt therefor. A " Pre- 
amble " was adopted, setting forth the nature and design 
of the institution, and its need of funds. Committees to re- 
ceive subscriptions for the college were appointed through- 
out Rhode Island, in the southern and western parts of the 
continent, and in the States of Massachusetts and Con- 
necticut. Committees were also appointed to provide a 
seal for the use of the corporation, and to assist in digest- 
ing and recording the proceedings of the meeting. 

It is interesting, in this connection, to observe the char- 
acter of the men, who, a century ago, met for the first 
time, as a corporate body, to transact business for the col- 
lecje. Of the four relio-ious denominations recocjnized in 
the charter, the Congregationalists were represented by 
Dr. Ephraim Bowen, one of the most distinguished physi- 
cians in Providence previous to the Revolutionary War. 
To him, Lieut. Gov. Arnold, in his History of Rhode Island, 
ascribes the peculiar honor of originating a patriotic order, 
composed of the gentler sex, known as the "Daughters of 
Liberty." The Episcopalians were represented by Gov- 
ernor Joseph Wanton and Hon. James Iloneyman, both 
residents of Newport, and gentlemen of culture, wealth, 
and high social position. The former was first elected 



17(34-1769. BROAVN UNIVERSITY. C5 

Governor in the year 1769. He continued to fill the office 
from year to year, with great acceptance, until 1775, when 
he was susjDencled by the General Assembly for disloyalty. 
Mr. rioneyraan was the son of the Rev. James Honeyman, 
Rector of Trinity Church, Newport. He was an able 
lawyer and a prominent politician, filling many high offices 
in the State. For many years he was Advocate General 
of the Court of Vice Admiralty for the colony, having been 
appointed to this office by the British Government. The 
Quakers or Friends were represented by the Hon. Stephen 
Hopkins, John G. Wanton, Edward Thurston, and Nicho- 
las Easton. No name is more prominent in the history 
of this period than that of Hopkins, and few men of any 
period have exerted so wide an influence upon the desti- 
nies of the country. For nearly forty-five years, as chief 
justice, governor, member of Congress, legislator, or repre- 
sentative, he was engaged in some kind of official duty 
connected with the town, the State, or the national Con- 
gress. His name appears among the signers of the Decla- 
ration of Independence. The office of chancellor of the 
corporation, to which he was elected at this first meeting, 
he held until his death, in 1785, a period of twenty-one 
years. He was a warm personal friend of President Man- 
ning, and, by his extensive learning and genuine love of 
literature, proved a most efficient coadjutor in all the plans 
and effi3rts of the latter for the efficiency and usefulness of 
the college. Mr. Wanton was an opulent merchant of 
Newport, and was allied by blood and affinity with the 
wealthiest and most popular families in the colony. The 
name of Nicholas Easton appears in Arnold's History of 
Rhode Island, as a member of the General Assembly from 
Middletown, in the year 1776. He w^as probably a de- 
scendant of Governors Nicholas and John Easton. Of 
6* 



Q(^ MANNING AND Chap. II. 

Thurston we have been unuble to ascertain anything defi- 
nite. He was a trustee, as appears from the Triennial 
Catalogue, until the year 1782. The remaining seventeen 
members of the corporation were Baptists, or, as they are 
also designated in the charter, Antipsedobaptists. They 
were mostly from the towns of Providence, Newport, 
"VYarren, Westerly, and Boston. Among them we notice 
Samuel Ward, the popular Governor of Rhode Island 
during the years 1762, 17G5, and 1766, a Justice also of 
the Supreme Court, and one of the most influential mem- 
bers of the First Congress, in 1774 (his Life, written by 
Prof. Gammell, is published in Spark's American Biog- 
raphy) ; Judge Daniel Jenckes, a brief sketch of whom 
has already been given in connection with the history of 
the college charter ; Josias Lyndon, who, in 1768, was 
elected Governor, by an overwhelming majority of nearly 
fifteen hundred ; Nicholas Brown, the distinguislied mer- 
chant and liberal benefactor of the college, and also father of 
the Hon. Nicholas Brown, after whom the institution was 
finally named ; Rev. Edward Upham, pastor of the First 
Church at Newport, and a graduate of Harvard College, 
in the class of 1734 ; Rev. Gardner Thurston, an intimate 
friend and associate of Dr. Stiles ; Rev. Jeremiah Condy, 
of Boston, also a graduate of Harvard College, in the 
class of 1721 ; Dr. Joshua Babcock, of Westerly, who, in 
1775, was appointed a mnjor-general of the Rhode Island 
militia, and who also held various public offices of respon- 
sibility and trust ; and Dr. Thomas Eyres, of Newport, who 
lield the office of secretary of the corporation until the 
breaking out of the Revolutionary War. 

In the records of subsequent meetings of the corporation, 
previous to the removal of the college to Providence, we 
find among the Baptist members the names also of Rev. 



1764-1769. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 67 

Morgan Edwards of Philadelphia, Rev. Hezekiah Smith 
of Haverhill, Rev. Samuel Stillraan of Boston, Rev. John 
Gano of New York, Rev. Isaac Backus of Middleborough, 
Rev. John Davis of Boston, Rev. Russell Mason of Swanzey, 
Nathan Spear of Boston, Sylvester Child of Warren, and 
Joseph, brother of Nicholas Brown, of Providence. Among 
the Episcopal members we find the names of Rev. George 
Bisset of Newport, Joseph Russell and George Hazard 
Esquires. The last named was mayor of Newport, and for 
upwards of thirty years was a member of the State Legisla- 
ture. Among the Quakers, Jonathan Easton, a physician. 
Among the Congregationalists, Nicholas Cook, for several 
years Governor of the colony, and Jabez Bowen, LL.D., 
Deputy Governor. The latter succeeded Gov. Hopkins 
as chancellor of the college. 

During the spring previous to this first meeting of the 
corporation, Manning had removed with his family to 
Warren, a pleasant town in Bristol County, R. L, about 
ten miles from Providence. Here he at once opened a 
Latin school, with an ultimate view to the commencement 
of college instruction. This school, which soon became 
flourishing, he continued to teach or superintend for many 
years, in connection with his professional duties and call- 
ing. It was removed to Providence in 1770, and, upon 
the completion of " University Hall," to rooms in that 
building. In 1810, a brick house for its accommodation 
was erected by the friends of the college, under the direc- 
tion of a committee of the corporation, consisting of 
Thomas P. Ives, Moses Lippitt, and Thomas Lloyd Halsey. 
It is now called the " University Grammar School," and is 
taught by Messrs. Merrick and Emory Lyon, they having 
the entire responsibility of its management. This school 
has ever been an efficient auxiliary to the college or uni- 
versity. 



C8 MANNINCx AND Chap. II. 

At tlie time of Manning's arrival in Warren, there were 
nearly sixty Baptist communicants residing in that town, 
the majority of whom were members of the venerable 
church in Swanzey. The population of the village was 
then rapidly increasing, and the time seemed to have ar- 
rived when they could best secure their religious interests 
by forming themselves into a separate and independent 
body, instead of being considered as a branch of the mother 
church. It was this fact, perhaps, which determined the 
first location of the college. Without funds it could not, 
of course, in its feeble beginning, support itself It seemed 
therefore desirable to connect it with some church, over 
which its President should be pastor, that he might there- 
by derive an income sufficient for the maintenance of his 
family. The time and circumstances pointed to Warren 
as the place for this design, and accordingly Manning set- 
tled himselfhere,^ and, while engaged in teaching, employed 
also a 2')ortion of his time in preaching to the j^eople the 
gospel. His zeal and eloquence soon attracted a numerous 
congregation. The fruits of his ministry were apparent, 
and not a few persons became believers in Christ and were 
baptized. On the 15th day of November, 17G4, a church 
of fifty-eight members was duly organized and constituted. 
By previous appointment, they had engaged the Rev. John 
Gano of Xew York, the Rev. Gardner Thurston of New- 
port, and the Rev. Ebenezer Hinds of Middleborough, 
Mass., to assist in the proposed undertaking. The day 

1 In an early diary of the Kev. Dr. llczckiah Smitli, we find the following: 
" Saturday, April 21, 17G4. I went to Warren (from Newport) with Mrs. Man- 
ning, Esq. Cole.i, Capt. Whcaton, and IMr. Lillibridge. Sabbath, 22. rrcachod 
in Littletown in Warren, from John iii. 4, two sermons. Staid in Warren till 
Wednesday, 251 h, at Esq. Coles's." 

Mr. Smith, it appears, with Mr. and Mrs. Manning, left New York for New- 
port, Wednesday, April 11. They reached Newport on the 13th. when Mr. Man- 
ning proceeded at once to Warren. 



17G4-17G9. BROWN UNIVERSITY. C9 

being kept in the solemn exercise of fasting and prayer, 
" in the forenoon," says tlie record, " Mr. Thurston preached 
a sermon, and after a sliort intermission of service, tlie 
people returned, and Messrs. Gano, Manning, and Hinds 
each made a prayer suitable to the occasion, after which 
the church covenant, previously prepared by Mr. Manning, 
was presented and read." 

This covenant, the original of which, in Manning's hand- 
writing, is still in existence, we here present, as follows : — 

COVENANT OF THE BAPTIST CHURCH, WAEEEN, E. I. 

Whereas we, unworthy sinners, through the infinite riches of free 
grace, as we trust, brought out of darkness into the marvellous light of 
the gospel, and the grace of it, transformed into the kingdom of God's 
dear Sou Jesus Christ our only Lord and Saviour, and made partakers of 
all those privileges which Christ purchased with his precious blood, think 
it our duty, and the greatest privilege we can enjoy here on earth, to walk 
in all the commandments and ordinances, not only for our own comfort 
and peace, but for the manifestation of the glory of God and for the mu- 
tual help and society of each other ; and as it hath pleased God to appoint 
a visible church relation, to be the way and manner whereby he is pleased 
to communicate to his people the blessings of his presence, a growth in 
grace, and furtherance in the knowledge of our Lord God — 

We, therefore, this day, after solemn fasting and prayer for help and 
direction, in the fear of His holy name, and with hearts lifted up to the 
most high God, humbly and freely offer up ourselves a living sacrifice unto 
him who is our God, in covenant, through Jesus Christ, to walk together 
according 'to his revealed word, in visible gospel relation, both to Christ 
our only head and to each other as fellow-members and brethren of the 
same household of faith. 

And we do humbly engage, that, through His strength, we will endeavor 
to perform all our respective duties towards God and each other, and to 
liractise all the ordinances of Christ, according to what is and shall be 
made known to us in our respective places ; to exercise, practise, and 
submit to the government of Christ in this church. 

And we declare that it is our mind that none are properly qualified 



/<> MANXIXG AND Chap. IT. 

membei's of this Christ's visible cluivch but siu-li as have been wrought 
upon by the grace of God, tlclivercd from their sins by tlic justifying right- 
eousness of^ Christ, have the evidence of it in their souls, have made 
profession thereof, — that is, of a living faith in Christ, — and have been 
baptized, by immersion, in the name of the Holy Trinity. 

Further, it is our mind that the imposition or non-imposition of hands 
upon believers, after baptism, is not essential to church communion, and 
that where the image of Christ is discerned, according to the rules of God's 
word, and those previous duties but now mentioned arc submitted to ac- 
cording to gospel rules, we are ready to hold communion with all such 
walking orderly in the church of Christ. 

And now we humbly hope, that, although of ourselves we are altogether 
unworthy and unfit thus to offer up ourselves to God, or to do him any 
service, or to expect any favor or mercy from him, yet that he Avill gra- 
ciously accept of this our freewill offering, in and through the merits and 
mediation of our dear Redeemer, and that he will employ and improve us 
in his service to his OAvn praise, — to whom be all the glory, both now and 
forever. 

After the members had signed the foregoing covenant, 
" they were asked," continues the record, " by the Rev. 
Mr. Manning, whether they, in the presence of that assem- 
bly, viewed tliat as their covenant and phm of union in a 
church relation, whicli question was answered by them all 
in the affirmative, standing up ; after which, three of the 
bretliren, Samuel Ilix, Amos Haile, and John Coomcr, in 
behalf of the church, presented a call, previously prepared 
by the bretliren, to the Rev. James Manning to become 
their pastor. The call was read publicly by the Rev, 
Mr. Gano, after which, he asked the Rev. James Man- 
ning if he accepted it, which was answered in the affirma- 
tive. 

" Then Mr. Gano preached a sermon, suitable to the 
occasion, in which he reminded both pastor and peojile of 
their respective duties, and urged tlie mutual performance 
of both, li-om those important motives which the nature of 



1764-17G9. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 71 

the relation requires. Thus ended the solemnities of the 
day." 

The relations which Manning now assumed proved alike 
pleasant and profitable to pastor and flock. During the 
six years of his ministry in Warren, the church greatly 
increased in numbers and strength, while the college 
flourished under its fostering care. 

At the second meeting of the corporation, held in New- 
port, on the first Wednesday in September, 1765, he was 
formally appointed " President of the College, Professor 
of Languages, and other branches of learning, with full 
power to act in these capacities at Warren, or elsewhere." 
This is the language of the record, which, as has been 
jolayfully remarked, " though not obnoxious to the charge 
of legal precision, seems to imj^ly, on the part of the cor- 
poration, no want of confidence in the variety of the Pres- 
ident's attainments." A letter addressed by Backus to the 
Rev. Dr. Gill, of London, an extract from which we here 
present, illustrates Manning's position at this time, as a 
pioneer in introducing polite literature or learning among 
the Baptists of New England : — 

One grand objection made use of against believers' baptism, has been 
that none but ignorant and illiterate men have embraced the Baptist sen- 
timents. And there was so much color for it as this, namely, that ten 
years ago there were but two Baptist ministers (Jeremiah Condy of 
Boston, and Edward Upham of Newport) in all New Enghmd who had 
what is called a liberal education ; and they were not clear in the doctrines 
of grace. But thi-ee others have lately come from the Southern govern- 
ments ; namely, Mr. Samuel Stillman, who is settled in Boston ; Mr. 
Hezekiah Smith, who has had remarkable success at Haverhill, where 
he has gathered a large society ; and Mr. James Manning, who is settled 
at WaiTcn, R. I. And as the Baptists have met with a great deal 
of abuse from those who are called learned men in our land, they have 
been not a little prejudiced against learning itself; but, latterly, there 



72 MANNINCx AND Chap. II. 

has been considerable alteration in this resi^ect. A charter was ob- 
tained from the General Assembly of Rhode Island in February, 1764, 
incorporating a number of Trustees and Fellows, for founding and en- 
dowing a college for the education of youth (of which you will be likely 
to hear more in due time) ; and this corporation, at tlieir annual meeting, 
last September, chose the aforesaid Mr. Manning President. He has 
commenced a school, which appears in a likely way to increase fast. But 
as there are scarce any books suitable for such business to be sold in that 
colony, he has thought of sending to London for a quantity ; and as he 
is unknown there, he requested that I would write a few lines in his favor. 
Therefore, my dear sir, if my poor testimony may be thought worthy of 
any notice, I desire that you would mention to Mr. Keith, to whom lie 
has thoughts of sending, that, from near two years' acquaintance with liim, 
I am well satisfied that he is a man of piety, integrity, and abihty, who will 
make conscience of fulfilling his engagements. 

I remain, sir, your humble servant, 

Isaac Backus. 

It was about this time that Manning conceived tlic plan 
of unitino^ the churches of New Ensjhmd on some common 
basis, in order to promote their harmony and growth, to 
resist more successfully acts of oppression on the part of the 
" Standing Order " in Massachusetts and Connecticut, and 
especially to disarm his brethren of all existing prejudices 
against human learning, and thereby effectually advance 
the interests of the college. The undertaking was one 
of no ordinary magnitude. The government of Baptist 
churches had been from time immemorial, as now, of the 
independent form, each particular church having an ex- 
clusive right of jurisdiction over its own members, elect- 
ing and dismissing its own officers, and transacting all its 
business by final issue within itself, without appeal to any 
power on earth, eitlier civil or ecclesiastical. With the 
Baptist churches of New England, especially, it had long 
been an article of belief, that civil government, although 
desirable and necessary for civil pur])oses, has nothing to 



1764-1769. BROWN UNIYP:RSITY. 78 

do with Christ's kingdom, wliich is spiritual and not of 
this world, and has nothing to do with the visible church, 
which is subject to Jesus Christ alone as the head tljereof. 
Hence they regarded all synods, c(tnventions, associations, 
and councils to decide religious controversies, revoke acts 
of particular churches, inflict censure, form platforms, and 
prepare articles of faith, as useless and unfriendly to the 
independency of the churches ; as having more or less re- 
spect to the civil state, and therefore partaking too much 
of the carnal wisdom of this world. They had sufiered 
too much from measures adopted at these meetings among 
the Congregational ministers of Massachusetts and Con- 
necticut to be easily persuaded to meet in any association, 
even though it were upon a plan altogether different from 
the associations and conventions in New England. It is 
true that at a former period the Baptists had been united 
in some kind of an organization. Knight, in his History 
of the Six-Principle Baptists, whose sentiments generally 
prevailed in the early history of Rhode Island, says, "The 
churches of Providence, Newport, Swanzey, and North 
Kingston, about the close of the seventeenth century, uni- 
ted in a yearly meeting composed of elders, messengers," 
etc. Comer, who was a decided advocate for the doctrine 
of " laying on of hands," in his manuscript diary gives an 
account of this meeting in 1729. Callender, also, in his 
Historical Discourse, alludes to the same meeting or asso- 
ciation. We have before lis now a letter printed in 1741, 
from sundry persons in Newport, addressed to the " several 
Baptist churches in New England, that are, or have be^^n, 
united in the general meetings usually held at Providence, 
Swanzey," etc. In the progress of time, however, some 
of the Six-Principle churches which organized this meeting 
became extinct, others ceased to maintain their peculiar 
7 



7-t MANNING AND Chap. K. 

sentiments, and it was gradually, by most of the regular 
Baptist churches, at the period of which we are now speak- 
ing, abandoned. 

It was Manning's wish to unite all the churches of his 
faith and order in Xew England in an association similar 
to the one formed in Philadelphia, which was simply advi- 
sory in its character, having respect to the advancement 
of the Redeemer's kingdom by spreading through the 
churches an account of the welfare and prosperity of each. 
He submitted his plan to the members of his own church, 
who cordially seconded his views, as appears from a formal 
vote on the subject, which we find recorded under date 
of August 28, 1766. He also conferred with his brethren 
in the ministry, who were occasionally at his house.^ Let- 
ters of invitation were accordingly sent out, and on the 8th 
of September, 1707, a meeting of pastors and delegates 
from the principal Baptist churches in Massachusetts and 
Rhode Island met at Warren. Hence the origin of the 
Warren Association, the first organization of the kind in 
New England, and, according to Benedict, the sixth in 
America. The Rev. Isaac Backus, of Middleborough, who 
was chosen clerk of this meeting, thus commences the 
minutes : — 

" Whereas there hath of late been a great increase of Baptist churches 
in New England, which yet have not such an acquaintance with each 
other and orderly union together as ought to be, it has been thought by 
many that a general meeting or association might be a likely means to re- 
move this evil, and to promote the general good of the churclies. Therc- 

1 Mr. Manning, it seems, also visited the pastors and churches in person, and 
conferred with them on the subject. From the diary to M'hich we baveah-eadj' 
referred, we learn, for instance, that he vjsited the Rev. Ilezekiah Smith, Tuesday, 
April 15, 17GG, and stopped until Thursday, preaching both days in his mectinij- 
house. On Monday, April 21, Mr. Smith set out for Rhode Island, joining Mr, 



1701-17G0. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 75 

fore a number of elders, being occasionally together last year, did appoint 
a meeting at Warren, in Ehode Island Colony, on Sept. 8, 17G7; and 
sent an .invitation to others of their brethren to meet them there, to confer 
upon these affairs. Accordingly a considerable number of elders and 
brethren met at the time and place appointed ; and Elder John Gano, 
from New York, opened the meeting with a suitable sermon, from Acts 
XV. 9." 

Eleven churches were represented at this meeting by- 
pastor and delegates, as follows ; namely, Warren — Rev. 
James Manning, and brethren Benjamin Cole and Daniel 
Brown ; Second, Rehoboth — Rev. Richard Round, and 
brethren Samuel Bullock and Daniel Bullock; Haverhill — 
Rev. Hezekiah Smith, and brethren Jacob Whittier and 
Jonathan Shepard ; Norton — Rev. William Carpenter; 
Bellingham — Rev. Noah Alden ; First, Middleborough — 
Rev. Isaac Backus ; Second, Middleborough — Rev. Eben- 
ezer Hinds ; Cumberland — Rev. Daniel Miller ; First, Bos- 
ton — Dea. Josiah Colburn ; Second, Boston — Brother 
Philip Freeman ; Attleborough — brethren Abraham Bloss 
and Joseph Guild. There were also present from the 
Philadelphia Association, Rev. Messrs. John Gano, Abel 
Griffith, and Noah Hammond. Mr. Gano was chosen mod- 
erator, and, after looking to Heaven for guidance and direc- 
tion, they proceeded to the business before them. The 
occasion, as we may well suppose, was one of unusual inter- 
est. The Philadelphia Association, having been informed 
of the proposed meeting by President Manning, sent them 
the following timely letter, written by the Rev. Dr. Samuel 
Jones: — 

Manniug at Boston, Mr. Smith remained in Warren and Newport until Saturday, 
May 8th, a little more than two weeks, spending most of his time with Manning. 
On Monday, Aug. 4, of this same j'ear, Mr. Smith again visited Warren, stopping 
until Friday with his friend and classmate. On Wednesday, Nov. 12th, Mr. 
Manning was in Haverhill, and gave the charge at Mr. Smith's ordination. 



76 MANNING AND Chap. IL 



LETTER TO THE WARREN ASSOOIATION. 

The Elders and Messengers of the seA'eral Baptist churches met in Associa- 
tion at Philadelphia, the 14th, 5th, and 16th days of October, 17G6. 
To the Elders and Messengers of the several Baptist Churches of the 
same faith and order, to meet in Association at Warren, in the Colony 
of Rhode Island, the 8th day of September, 1767, send greeting. 
Deaelt Beloved Brethren : — When we understood that you had 
concluded to meet at the time and place above mentioned, with a view to 
lay the foundation-stone of an associational building, it gave us peculiar 
joy, in that it opened to our view a prospect of much good being done. 
You will perhaps judge this our address to you premature, because as yet 
you have only an ideal being, as a body by appointment. But if you 
should call this our forwardness blind zeal, we are still in hopes you will 
not forget that our embracing the first opportunity of commencing Chris- 
tian fellowship and acquaintance with you, afi'ords the strongest evidence 
of our approbation of your present meeting, and how fond we should be 
of mutual correspondence between us in this way. 

A long course of experience and observation has taught us to have the 
highest sense of the advantages which accrae from associations ; nor in- 
deed does the nature or thing speak any other language. For, as particu- 
lar members are collected together and united in one body, which we call 
a particular church, to answer those ends and purposes which could not 
be accomplished by any single member, so a collection and union of 
churches into one associational body may easily be conceived capable of 
answering those still greater purposes which any particular church could 
not be equal to. And by the same reason, a union of associations will 
still increase the body in weight and strength, and make it good that a 
threefold cord is not easily broken. 

Great, dear brethren, is the design of your meeting ; great is the work 
which lies before you. You will need the guidance and influence of the 
Divine Spirit, as well as the exertion of all prudence and wisdom. It is 
therefore our most ardent prayer that you may meet in love, that peace 
and unanimity may subsist among you during your consultations, that 
you may be animated with zeal for the glory of God, and directed to ad- 
vise and determine what may most conduce to promote the Redeemer's 
kingdom. 

From considering the divided state of our Baptist churches in your 



1764-17G9. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 77 

quarter, we foresee that difficulties may arise, such as may call for the 
exercise of the greatest tenderness and moderation, that if haply, through 
the blessing of God on your endeavors, those lesser differences may sub- 
side, and a more general union commence. 

As touching our consultations at this our meeting, the minutes of our 
proceedings (a printed copy whereof we shall herewith enclose) will in- 
form you ; and if in anything further you should be desirous of informa- 
tion with regard to us, we refer you to our reverend and beloved brethren 
Morgan Edwards, John Gano, and Samuel Jones, who, as our representa- 
tive delegates, will present you with this our letter, and whom we rec- 
ommend to Christian fellowship with you. 

And now, dear brethren, farewell. May the Lord bless and direct you 
in all things, and grant that we may all hereafter form one general as- 
sembly at his right hand, through infinite riches of free grace in Christ 
Jesus our Lord. 

Signed by order and in behalf of the Association, by 

Benjamin Miller, Moderator. 
Samuel Jones, Clerk. 



Neither Edwards nor Jones was j^resent at this meeting, 
but, in their stead, Messrs. Griffith and Hammond, as has 
already been stated. Although the delegates in attendance 
" generally manifested," says Backus, " a good will toward 
this attempt for promoting the union and welfare of the 
churches, most of them thought they were not prepared to 
join in an association." The pastors and messengers of 
but four were ready at this time to unite ; namely, Warren, 
Haverhill, Bellingham, and Second Middleborough. The 
other delegates present seem to have hesitated, through 
fear of some usurpation of authority by the associated body 
over the particular churches composing it ; an evil which 
they were determined, if possible, to avoid. Besides, they 
were not altogether satisfied with the plan of organization 
and action now adopted. This plan was substantially that 
of the Philadelphia Association, and was thought to give 



78 M A N N I N G A N D Ciiap. II. 

undue authority to the united body. It was, however, 
soon after so explained and amended as to be less objec- 
tionable. At the second meeting, also held in Warren, 
the churches of Sutton, Leicester, and Ware, and the First 
Church in Boston, over which the Rev. Dr. Stillman had 
recently been settled, joined the Association, thus swelling 
the number to eight. The Rev. Benjamin Miller and tlie 
Rev. Isaac S telle, of New Jersey, both warm personal 
friends of Manning, were present upon this occasion, as del- 
egates from the parent body at Philadelphia. In 17G9, the 
churches of Sturbridge, Enfield, Wilbraham, and Montague 
joined the Association. At this meeting the following sen- 
timents and plan, drawn up by President Manning, were 
adopted as a final basis for organization and action. 



SENTIMENTS TOUCHING AN ASSOCIATION. 

1 . That such a combination of churches is not only prudent, but useful, 
as has appeared even in America by the experience of upwards of sixty 
years. Some of the uses of it arc, union and communion among them- 
selves ; maintaining more effectually the order and foith once delivered to 
the saints ; having advice in cases of doubt, and help in distress ; being 
more able to promote the good of the cause, and becoming important in 
the eye of the civil powers, as has already appeared in many instances on 
this continent. 2. That such an association is consistent with the inde- 
pendency and power of particular churches, because it pretends to be no 
other than an aJvisonj council, utterly disclaiming superiority, jurisdiction, 
coercive right, and infallibility. 3. That an association should consist of 
men knowing and judicious, particularly in the Scriptures. Tlie reasons 
are obvious : such men are the fittest to represent communities who profess 
the Scriptures to be the only rule of faith and practice in religious matters, 
and who expect that every advice, opinion, or direction they receive from 
an association be Scriptural. Tliey should be skilled ami expert in the 
laws of their God, as counsellors arc in the laws of the land; for that is 
the ground of the churcli's ajiplication to tiicm. 



1764-1769. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 79 



PLAN OF THE ASSOCIATION. 

1 . The Association to consist only of messengers chosen and sent by 
the churches. These messengers to be their ministers (for a reason given 
in sentiment 3), together with some judicious brethren. Their expenses to 
be borne by the churches which send them. 

2. With the messengers the churches send letters addressed to the As- 
sociation. In these letters mention is made of the messengers, and their 
authority to act for their churches ; also of the state of the churches touch- 
ing their peace ; their increase by baptism, and by letters dismissive and 
commendatory from other churches ; touching their diminution by death, 
excommunication, and dismission to other churches, and the present 
number of members. If any questions are to be put to the Association, 
any advice to ask, or business to propose, these are to be expressed in 
said letters. 

3. All matters to be determined in this Association by the suffrage of 
the messengers, except what are determinable by Scripture : such matters 
are never put to the decision of votes. All that speak are to address the 
moderator, who is to take care that none be interrupted while speaking, 
and that no other indecorum take place. 

4. Churches are to be received into tliis Association by petitions setting 
forth their desire to be admitted, their faith, order, and willingness to be 
conformable to the rules of the associated body. ^When a petition is read, 
and the matter ripened for a vote, the moderator states the question. 
Suffrage being given in favor of the petition, the said moderator declares 
that such a church is received into the Association, in token of which he 
gives the messengers the right hand of fellowship, and bids them take their 



5. The Association to meet annually, at Warren, on Tuesday next after 
the first Wednesday in September,^ at two o'clock in the afternoon, and to 
continue till business be finished. It is to be opened with divine service : 
after which a moderator and clerk are chosen ; 'the letters from the 
churches are read ; the names of the messengers are written, that they may 



1 "And as the annual Commencement at our college is on the first Wednesday 
in September, and some who come to it from a distance would desire to attend 
the Association also, it was appointed to be on the Tuesday after the Commence- 
ment." (Backus's Church History, Vol. III., p. 113.) 



80 M A N N I N G AND Chap. II. 

be called over at after meetings ; then business is attended to, and minutes 
thereof made ; a circular letter to the churches is prepared and signed, 
and a copy of it sent to every church, containing the minutes of the Asso- 
ciation, the state of the churches, when and by whom vacancies are to be 
supplied, who is to preach the next Association sermon, and whatever else 
is needful for the churches to know. 

6. A connection to be formed and maintained between this Association 
and that of Philadelphia, by annual letter and messengers from us to them 
and from them to us. 

7. The faith and order of this Association are expressed in a confession 
put forth by upwards of a hundred congregations in Great Britain, in the 
year 1689, and adopted by the Association of Philadelphia in 1742. Some 
of the principles in said confession are : The imputation of Adam's sin to 
his posterity; the inability of man to recover himself; effectual calling by 
sovereign grace; justification by imputed righteousness; immersion for 
baptism, and that on profession of faith and repentance ; congregational 
churches and their independency ; recei3tion into them upon evidence of 
sound conversion, etc. 

The meeting this year (1769) was rendered unusually 
interesting by the presence, as messengers from the Phila- 
delphia Association, of Rev. Messrs. Morgan Edwards 
(who had but recently returned from England and Ireland 
on his mission in behalf of the college), Samuel Jones, and 
John Davis. " Many of the letters from the churches," 
says Backus, " mentioned grievous oppressions and perse- 
cutions from the ' standing order,' especially the one from 
Ashfield, where religious tyranny had been carried to 
great lengths." Whereupon petitions to the General 
Courts of Massachusetts and Connecticut for redress were 
prepared, by a committee of seven, of which the Rev. John 
Davis acted as chairman. The same having been read and 
approved, Messrs. Samuel Stillman, Philip Freeman, Philip 
Freeman Jr., John Proctor, and Nathan S. Spear, all of 
Boston, were chosen a committee to present them. 

The following proposal and plan to collect grievances, 



17G4-1769. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 81 

which we copy from the manuscript minutes of Backus, 
was also read at this meeting and approved : — 

" Whereas, complaints of oppressions occasioned by a non-conformity to 
the religious establishment in New England have been brought to this 
Association ; and whereas the laws obtained for preventing and redressing 
such oppressions have, upon trial, been found insufficient (either through 
defect in the laws themselves or iniquity in the execution thereof) ; and 
wliereas humble remonstrances and petitions have not been duly regarded, 
but the same oppressive measures continue ; This is to inform all the 
oppressed Baptists in New England that the Association of Warren (in 
conjunction with the Western or Philadelphia Association) is determined 
to seek remedy for their brethren where a speedy and effectual one may 
be had. In order to pursue this resolution by petition and memorial, the 
folloAving gentlemen are appointed to receive well-attested grievances, to 
be by them transmitted to the Rev. Samuel Stillman of Boston ; namely, 
Kev. Hezekiah Smith of Haverhill, Rev. Isaac Backus of Middleborough, 
Mr. Richard Montague of Sunderland, Rev. Joseph Meacham of Enfield, 
and Rev. Thomas Whitman of Groton in Connecticut." 

The efforts put forth by the Baptists in behalf of civil- 
and religious freedom, through the agency of the Warren 
Association, will be further illustrated in successive chap- 
ters of our present work. Those who may wish to consult 
fuller and more detailed accounts, are referred to Backus's 
Church History of New England, and especially to Prof. 
Hovey's Memoir of the Life and Times of Backus. 

Gradually the Association won the confidence of the 
denomination, until in a few years it had extended over 
New England. By its means mutual acquaintance and 
harmony were promoted ; the weak and the oppressed 
were relieved ; errors in doctrine and in practice were ex- 
posed and guarded against ; warnings against false teach- 
ers in religion were published ; feeble and destitute flocks 
were provided with preachers ; the college was materially 



82 M A X N I X G A N D Chap. IL 

aided and strengthened ; students were encouraged to 
study for the ministry, and the gospel was preached in 
the wilderness. During the period of tlie Revolution it 
presented able addresses in behalf of civil and religious 
freedom to the Governments of Massachusetts and Con- 
necticut, and to the Continental Congress. Although, 
says Arnold, in his History of Rhode Island, it no longer 
has that intimate connection with the University which at 
first existed, and the growth of Baptist churches in New 
England has given rise to numerous other associations of 
a similar character, the parent body still continues to ex- 
ert a widespread and beneficent influence over the objects 
of its charge. 

The JMinutes ^ of the Association show that Manning, 
during the whole period of his connection with it, was one 
of its most prominent and useful members. By his coun- 
sels and personal influence he first called it into being. As 
has already been stated, he drew up the plan of its organ- 
ization. In the years 177G, 1781, 1784, and 1787, he pre- 
sided over its deliberations as moderator. In 1778 and in 
1787 he preached the introductory sermon. In 1785 he 
made the opening prayer. From year to year we find his 
name on various important committees. He was likewise 
prominent as a member of the Philadelphia Association, 
rarely failing, especially during the latter part of his life, to 
attend its sessions, although thereby subjected to great 

1 The manuscript minutes of tlie first four meetings of the Warren Association 
are among the Backus papers, from which they have been carefully copied by 
the Rev. Silas Hall, a graduate of the college in the class of 1809. To his kind- 
ness ill placing them at our disposal we are greatly indebted. The Minutes were 
first printed in the year 1771, since which time they have been published with- 
out interruption down to the i)resent dale. A set, including the aforesaid man- 
uscript minutes, from the meeting of tlie Association in 17157 down to the present 
time, is in our possession. The years 1778, 1780, and 1783 arc copied from a set 
iu the possession of Mr. John Carter Brown; otherwise it is complete. 



1761-1769. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 83 

trouble, expense, and loss of time. He was once clerk, twice 
moderator, and three times the preacher at its annual meet- 
ings. We close this portion of our narrative with the follow- 
ing circular letter, presented by him to the Warren Asso- 
ciation, and by them adopted, at its third meeting in 1769. 
It affords a happy illustration of the author's temj:>er and 
spirit, and of his peculiar fitness to guide and instruct his 
brethren. 

CIRCULAR LETTER BY MANNING. 

The Elders and Messengers of several churches belonging to the Associ- 
ation, met in Warren, in. the Colony of Rhode Island, etc. To the sev- 
eral churches they represent, greeting. 

Deak Brethren : — We have had the pleasure of meeting your repre- 
sentatives at the Association, who in general have brought us good news 
from the churches. We rejoice to sec that the Son of man is pleased to 
walk in the midst of his golden candlesticks, the cliurchcs, to dispense his 
blessings to his people, and to attend the word of the kingdom with di- 
vine power to the salvation of sinners. Come ! help us to magnify the 
Lord for his unspeakable mercy and goodness ! Yet we find that the en- 
emies of truth are busily employed in endeavoring to subvert it, and in 
vexing and oppressing those who stand up for the cause of God. Brethren, 
we sympathize with you under your afflictions, while we call to mind the 
declaration of your ascended Head to his beloved flock whom he left be- 
hind, — In the world ye shall have tribulation. Yet how refresliing is what 
follows, — But he of good cheer, I have overcome the world. Those who live 
godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. Let not the powers of the 
world, wlio set themselves to oppose, discourage you. Search for the mind 
of Christ in liis word ; which being discovered, pay a sacred regard thereto. 
Call no man master on earth; and i-emember that the followers of Christ 
carry their cross in imitation of their Divine Master. Brethren, suffer us, 
however, to beseech you to use all proper means to obtain relief from the 
burdens imposed upon you, by taking heed to the general plan which we 
as a body propose to pursue. But while you attend to human means, let 
your cries be incessant to Him who hears and who will redress the cries of 
the oppressed. Pray for those who despitefully use you. Remember that 



84 M A N N I X G A X D Chap. II. 

love enters deeply into the spirit of our holy religion ; and that the glorious 
Founder thereof has given us the most striking example of it in living 
and dying for his enemies. Walk soberly and inoffensively toward those 
without ; and let your conduct prove tl)at it is the power of truth, the 
force of conscience, that makes you Baptists, and not an affectation of 
singularity. And as you are persuaded that you have been taught by 
the Spirit of God, so let your light shine before others that you may win 
them to the truth. In the meantime, carefully guard against any designs 
to ensnare you, or to engage you in any combination with them that may 
eventually prove to the detriment of the cause. 

Finally, may the Lord Jesus afford you his presence, and bless you 
with abundant increase in all grace, to the glory of his great name. 
Sighed by order and in behalf of the Association. 

Hezekiaii Smith, Moderator. 

Samuel Stillman, Clerk. 



The first letter from Manning, of which we have any 
knowledge, is the following, addressed to David Howell, 
a student about to graduate from the College of New 
Jersey : — 

Sir : — I some time ago received a line from you by Mr. Stelle, in which 
you requested my advice relative to your destination when you have 
done with college. I was glad to find that you had not yet determined 
upon any place or employment, because I was desirous that you should 
make a visit to these parts before your settlement. But to give advice, 
without having some prospect of advantage, I should think imprudent ; 
and indeed the matter is important, for if it should not succeed according- 
to your wishes, you might entertain hard thoughts of me. However, at 
present it appears to me that you cannot do better than to visit Rhode 
Island. The success Mr. Stelle has met with encourages me. He has a 
Latin school in the town of Providence of nearly twenty scholars, and 
may have more if he finds himself able to manage them. I believe he 
gives good satisfaction, and is much esteemed by the gentlemen of the 
town. I thought when he came here that he would much more readily 
have found employ in Newport ; and although the people there were for 
making the attempt, yet he chose first to see Providence, whither I accoin- 



1764-1769. . BROWN UNIVERSITY. 85 

pjiuied him. They would not, however, consent that he should go back, 
but immediately employed him ; so that if you ai*e disposed to keep a 
school, I imagine one may easily be obtained in Newport. I would gladly 
invite you to come and live in my family, if the infant state of our college 
could promise you proper encouragement ; but at present it is hardly to 
be expected, although in the revolution of a year it will doubtless need 
more help. Upon the whole, I think if I were in your circumstances, as 
near as I can judge, I should come ; and I would advise you to see me 
before you engage anywhere. A taste for learning is greatly upon the 
increase in this colony. Mr. Stelle can give you a more particular account 
of matters in these parts, as he will be with you at Commencement ; and if 
you can get your affairs in readiness, he will be your company over. 
After telling you my family is well, as also your friend Stites, etc., I bid 
you farewell, wishing you the best blessings of heaven, and that I may 
have the pleasure of waiting upon ]\Ir. Howell at the house of 
Sir, your humble servant, 

James Manning. 
Warren, July 14, 1766. 



Agreeably to President Manning's advice, Mr. Howell 
came to Warren, and was at once associated with him as 
tutor in the college. In 1769 he was appointed Professor 
of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, which position 
he occupied until the breaking up of the college in con- 
sequence of the Revolutionary War. In addition to the 
regular studies of his professorship, he taught the French, 
German, and Hebrew languages. For thirty-four years 
he was Professor of Law, although he never delivered any 
lectures in connection with this department of instruction. 
He was fifty-two years a member of the Board of Fellows, 
and for many years was secretary of the corporation. He 
was thus intimately connected with the college during a 
large portion of his protracted life. On several occasions, 
after President Manning's decease, he presided at the 
college Commencements, and delivered to the graduating 
8 



80 MANNING AND Chap. IT. 

classes Baccalaureate addrcbses, wliicli were greatly ad- 
Diired. He practised law in Providence for many years, 
and was regarded as the leading member of the Rhode 
Island bar. Under the Confederation, he Avas a member 
of Congress, and he subsequently filled, with great ability, 
several high offices, civil and judicial. In 1812, he was 
appointed United States Judge for the District of Kliode 
Island, and this office he sustained until his death, in 182-1. 
"Judge Howell," says Prof Goddard, " was endowed with 
extraordinary talents, and he superadded to his endow- 
ments extensive and accurate learning. As an able jurist, 
he established for himself a solid reputation. He was, 
however, yet more distinguished as a keen and brilliant 
wit, and as a scholar extensively acquainted not only with 
the ancient, but with several of the modern languages. 
As a pungent and effective political writer, he was almost 
unrivalled ; and in conversation, whatever chanced to be 
the theme, whether politics or law, literature or theology, 
grammar or criticism, a Greek tragedy or a difficult prob- 
lem in mathematics, he was never found wanting. Upon 
all occasions which made any demands upon him, he gave 
the most convincing evidence of the vigor of his powers, 
and of the variety and extent of his erudition." To all 
this may be added extraordinary physical powers, and a 
majestic, dignified presence. Such was the intimate friend 
and early academical associate of Manning. 

The first Commencement of the college was held in the 
meeting-house at Warren, on the 7th of September, 1760. 
Four years had elapsed since the President, with a solitary 
pupil,' commenced his collegiate duties as an instructor. 

' It is Plated tliat the Ifcv. Dr. William Rogers, of riiiladelphia, was the first, 
and for .several days llic only student of IJliode Island College, lie was then a 
mere lad of fourteen. Indeed, the entire Freshman Clsiss of 1765-6 consisted of 
but three students. 



1701-17G9 BROWN UNIVERSITY. 87 

Throiigli toils, and difRculties, and oppositfion, he had qui- 
etly persevered in his work, until the seminary under his 
care had won its way to public favor. And now his first 
pupils Avere about to take their Bachelor's degree in the 
Arts, and to go forth to the duties of life. They were 
young men of ])romise. Some of them were destined to 
fill conspicuous places in the approaching struggle for in- 
dependence ; others were to be leaders in the church, and 
distinguished educators of youth. Probably no class that 
has gone forth from the University, in her palmiest days 
of prosperity, has exerted so widely extended and bene- 
ficial an influence, the times and circumstances taken into 
consideration, as this first class of seven that graduated at 
Warren. The occasion drew together a large concourse 
of people from all parts of the colony, inaugurating the 
earliest State holiday in the history of Rhode Island. 
" And as each recurring anniversary of this time-honored 
institution of learning calls together from distant places 
the widely-scattered alumni of Brown University, we do 
but renew, on a more extended scale, the congratulations 
that crowned this earliest festival."^ The performances of 
the day excited universal admiration. " We can readily 
imagine," says a writer,^ "how the beautiful and benevo- 
lent face of President Manning was radiant with smiles on 
this occasion; with what joy he beheld the first fruits of 
his anxieties, and labors, and prayers; with what glowing 
eloquence he poured forth, at the throne of grace, the 
pious effusions of a grateful heart, invoking the blessing 
of God upon the future efforts of the friends of the infant 



^ Arnold's History of Rhode Island, Vol. II. p. 299. 

2 Hon. Jobu Pitman, LL. D. See Address to the Alumni Association of 
Brown University, delivered at Providence at their first Anniversary, Sept. 5, 
1843. 



88 MANNNIG AND Chap. II. 

institution, and filling every heart with emotion, if not 
every eye with tears, as, with the affection of a friend and 
the solicitude of a father, he commended to the care of 
Heaven those who were about to depart from him, and, at 
a period of no ordinary moment, to enter a world of temp- 
tation and trial." 

The following account of this " first Commencement," 
taken from The Providence Gazette and Country Journal^ 
needs no apology for its insertion here. It will be read 
with special interest by those who have attended the com- 
mencements of a later day. 

FIKST COMMENCEMENT. 1769. 

On Thursday, the seventh of this instant, was celebrated at "Wan-en 
the first Commencement in the college of this colony ; when the following 
young gentlemen commenced Bachelors of Arts ; namely, Joseph Bel- 
ton, Joseph Eaton, William Rogers, Richard Stites, Charles Thompson, 
James Mitchel Varnum, and William Williams. 

About ten o'clock, A. M., the gentlemen concerned in conducting the 
affairs of the college, together with the candidates, went in procession to 
the meeting-house. 

After they had taken their seats respectively, and the audience were 
composed, the President introduced the business of the day with prayer ; 
then followed a salutatory oration in Latin, pronounced with much spirit, 
by Mr. Stites, which procured him great applause from the learned part 
of the assembly. He spoke upon the advantages of liberty and learning, 
and their mutual dependence upon each other ; concluding with proper 
salutations to the Chancellor of the college. Governor of the colony, etc., 
particularly exjjressing the gratitude of all the friends of the college to 
the Rev. Morgan Edwards, who has encountered many difficulties in 
going to Europe to collect donations for the institution, and lias lately 
returned. 

To which succeeded a forensic dispute, in English, on the following 
thesis ; namely, " The Americans, in their present circumstances, cannot, 
consistent with good policy, affect to become an Independent State." Mr. 
Varnum ingeniously defended it, by cogent arguments handsomely dressed ; 



1761-1703. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 80 

tiiough he was subtly Init delicately ojoposed by Mr. Williams ; botli of 
whom spoke with emphasis and propriety. 

As a conclusion to the exercises of the forenoon, the audience were 
agreeably entertained with an oration on benevolence, by Mr, Rogers ; 
in which, among many other pertinent observations, he particularly no- 
ticed the necessity which that infant seminary stands in of the salutary 
effects of that truly Christian virtue. 

At three o'clock, P. M., the audience being convened, a syllogistic dis- 
pute was introduced on this thesis : " Materia cogitare non potest," — Mr. 
Williams the respondent ; Messieurs Belton, Eaton, Rogers, and Varnum 
the opponents, — in the course of which dispute, the principal arguments 
on both sides were produced towards settling that critical point. 

The degree of Bachelor of Arts was then conferred on the candidates. 
Then the following gentlemen (graduated in other colleges) at their own 
request received the honorary degree of Master in the Arts ; namely. Rev. 
Edward Upham, Rev. Morgan Edwards, Eev. Samuel Stillman, Rev. 
Hezekiah Smith, Hon. Joseph Wanton Jun. Esq., Mr. Jabez Bowen, and 
Mr. David Howell, Professor of Philosophy in said college. 

The following gentlemen, being well recommended by the Faculty for 
literary merit, had conferred on them the honorary degree of Master in 
the Arts ; namely. Rev. Abel Morgan, Rev. Oliver Hart, Rev. David 
Thomas, Rev. Samuel Jones, Mr. John Davis, Mr. Robert Strettle Jones, 
Mr. John Stites, Rev. James Bryson, Rev. James Edwards, Rev. Wil- 
liam Boulton, Rev. John Ryland, Rev. William Clark, Rev. Joshua 
Toulmin, and Rev. Caleb Evans. 

A concise, pertinent, and solemn charge was then given to the Bache- 
lors by the President, concluding Avith his last paternal benediction, which 
naturally introduced the valedictory orator, Mr. Thompson, who, after 
some remarks upon the excellences of the oratorial art, and expressions 
of gratitude to the patrons and officers of the college, together with a val- 
ediction to them, and all present, took a most affectionate leave of his 
classmates. The scene was tender, the subject felt, and the audience 
affected. 

The President concluded the exercises with prayer. The whole was 
conducted with a propriety and solemnity suitable to the occasion. The 
audience (consisting of the principal gentlemen and ladies of this colony, 
and many from the neighboring governments), though large and croAvded, 
behaved with the utmost decorum. 

In the evening, the Rev. Morgan Edwards, by particular lequcst, 
8* 



90 MANNING AND Chap. II. 

preached a sermon,^ especially addressed to the graduates and students, 
from Phil. iii. 8 : " Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the 
excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord ; " in which (after 
high encomiums on the liberal arts and sciences) the superior knowledge 
of the knowledge of Christ, or the Christian science, was clearly and fully 
illustrated in several striking examples and similes ; one of which follows : 
" When the sun is below the horizon, the stars excel in glory ; but when 
his orb irradiates our hemisphere, their glory dwindles, fades away, and 
disappeai's." 

Not only the candidates, but even the President, were dressed in 
American manufactures. Finally, bo it observed, that this class ai'e the 
first sons of that college which has existed for more than four years ; during 
all which time it has labored under great disadvantages, notwithstanding 
the warm patronage and encouragement of many worthy men of fortune 
and benevolence ; and it is hoped, from the disposition which many dis- 
covered on that day, and other favorable circumstances, that these disad- 
vantages will soon, in part, be happily removed. 

Mr. Edwards, to whose labors in behalf of tlie college 
we have already referred, set out for Europe in February, 
17G7, and returned in 17G1), having been absent about two 
years. The amount which he obtained, and which was 
afterwards invested in a permanent fund for the payment 
of the President's salary, was £888 10s. 2d. sterling. 
This was truly a noble benefaction, considering tlie value 
of money at that period, and greatly encouraged the friends 
of the institution. The original subscription-book, contain- 
ing the names of the subscribers in their own hand-writing, 
w^as presented to the Library in the year 1819, by Mr. Joshua 
Edwards, a son of the Rev. Morgan Edwards. He w^as 
then living, being at the time upwards of eighty years of 

1 The custom, tlius iiiauguralcd by Morgan Edwards, of having a sermon 
preached on Commouceraeiit occasions, was continued down to tlie beginning 
of Dr. AVayland's administration in 1828, wlien the " President's Levee " took the 
place of the " (Jommenccment Sermon." The usual preachers on these occasions, 
were Drs. Stillmau and Smith, and, in later years. Dr. Baldwin. 



1764-1769. BROWN UNI VEUSITY. 01 

age. Among the subscribers thus obtained to the first 
funds of the college, we notice the names of our own coun- 
trymen, Benjamin Franklin and Benjamin West, both re- 
siding in London at this time ; Thomas Llewelyn, LL.D., 
the distinguished Cambro-British scholar ; Samuel Roifey, 
Esq., whose name appears upon the earliest records of the 
corporation as a benefoctor of the college ; Rev. Dr. Sam- 
uel Stennett ; Thomas Penn ; Rev. Dr. A. Gifford, for many 
years sub-librarian at the British Museum ; Thomas IloUis 
and Timothy Ilollis, the well-known benefactors of Harvard 
College ; and Rev. Dr. Gill, author of " Exposition of the 
Old and New Testaments," a work published in nine folio 
volumes. 

Mr. Edwards, speaking a few years afterwards of these 
his efforts to collect funds for the college, says that he 
"succeeded pretty well, considering how angry the mother 
country then was with the colonies for opposing the Stamp 
Act." 

The following brief biograj)hies of several members of 
the class, who more particularly distinguished themselves 
in public life, may very appropriately close this chapter. 

WILLIAM KOGERS. 

If, among her "first fruits," Trinity College of Dublin 
may boast of her Archbishop Usher, and Harvard Univer- 
sity of her Dr. Woodbridge, Brown Universit}^ may, with 
equal reason and propriety, boast of her Dr. Rogers, as the 
first student who enrolled his name upon her records, and 
as one whose character and life reflect the highest honor 
alike upon his revered instructor and the institution over 
which he j^resided. 

William, the second son of Capt. William and Sarah 



92 MANNING AND Chap. II. 

Rogers, was born in Newport, R. I., on the 22d of July, 
1751. Having finished a preparatory coarse of study un- 
der the care of the Rev. Aaron Hutchinson, a Congrega- 
tional minister of Grafton, Mass., he, at the early age of 
fourteen, entered Rhode Island College, over which Dr. 
Manning had just been appointed President. In the year 
1770, while engaged in teaching in his native city, he be- 
came personally interested in religion, and was baptized 
by the Rev. Gardner Thurston, and received as a member 
of the Second Baptist Church, by prayer and the imposition 
of hands. This latter fact is mentioned, as an illustration 
of the views that prevailed in many of the Rhode Island 
churches in reference to this point. Soon afterwards, he 
removed from his native city to Philadelphia, where, on 
the 31st of May, 1772, he was ordained pastor of the Baptist 
church. The sermon on the occasion was preached by the 
Rev. Isaac Eaton, from the words, " And who is sufficient 
for these things ? " It proved to be the last sermon that 
Mr. Eaton ever preached, while the text was the basis of 
Mr. Rogers' first discourse. During the three years that 
Mr. Rogers continued his pastoral relations, the church 
appears to have been greatly prospered, and the congre- 
gation largely increased. Among his hearers, whom his 
eloquence attracted, was the celebrated Dr. Rush, who 
afterwards, it is stated, became an adherent of the Rev. 
Elhanan Winchester. 

During the war of the Revolution, Dr. Rogers held 
important offices, as chaplain of the forces appointed by 
Pennsylvania for the defence of the State, and also as 
chaj)lain of a brigade in the Continental army. His rela- 
tions with the prominent actors of the Revolution were 
intimate, and he enjoyed in a high degree the confidence 
and esteem of the commanding general. He was an lion- 



17G4-17G9. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 03 

orecl member of the Masonic fraternity, and frequently 
addressed them on pubUc occasions. In the year 1789, he 
was appointed Professor of Oratory and Belles-lettres in 
the College and Academy of Philadelphia, and in 1792 he 
was elected to the same office in the University of Penn- 
sylvania. His last years were spent in dignified retirement, 
and in the cultivation of pious and devout feelings. He 
died in PhiladeljDhia, April 7, 1824, universally beloved 
and lamented. As an instance of the general estimation 
in which he was held as a preacher, it may be stated, that, 
at one time, during the year 1782, he received invitations 
from three very imj^ortant churches, and of as many dif- 
ferent denominations, in the States of Rhode Island, Con- 
necticut, and Maryland, either to supply the pulpit steadily, 
or to settle as pastor. One of these invitations was from 
the Episcopal church of St. John's in Providence. The 
invitation was given, of course, with a proviso, as will be 
seen by a reference to Updike's History of the Narraganset 
Church. 

A fine picture of Dr. Rogers, executed by his only sur- 
viving daughter. Miss Eliza J. Rogers, has recently been 
added to the collection of portraits in Rhode Island Hall. 
It is copied from an original portrait by Rembrandt Peale, 
taken in the year 1795, when the subject was in the prime 
and vigor of life. 

In Evans's Life of Richards occurs the following pleasant 
account of Dr. Rogers, as given by an English gentleman, 
in a letter dated New York, June 25, 1793. The writer 
was travelling through the country with a view to final 
settlement. The extract serves to illustrate Rogers's social 
character, and also gives an agreeable view of Gen. Wash- 
ington in his private relations. 



ot 



IMANNIXG AND Cii\r. II. 



" After travelling through an extreme pleasant eountry, ^ve arrived at 
Philadelphia, and waited on Dr. Rogers. Dr. Kogers is a most entertain- 
ing and agreeable man, and received your letter with much pleasure. 
We were with him a great part of the time we remained in the city, and 
were introduced by him to Gen. Washington. The General was not at 
home when we called, but, while we were talking with his private secre- 
tary in the hall, he came in, and si)oke to Dr. Rogers with the greatest 
case and familiarity. He immediately asked us up into the drawing-room, 
Wiiere was Lady Washington and his two nieces. When we were seated, 
the General called for wine and cake, of which we partook, he drinking our 
'Iiealth, and wishing us success in all our undertakings.' The General 
asked us a number of questions respecting the situation of things in 
Europe, to all Avhich we answered, you may be sure, in our best manner. 
It is his general custom to say little ; but on this occasion Ave understood 
he was more than usually talkative. He made one remark, which, un- 
der the circumstances in wliich it was delivered, has a peculiar energy, 
— ' that we had chosen a happy country, and one large enough ! ' After 
sitting about half an hour, we retired, highly gratified with having con- 
versed with i\\Q first character oi the age.'' 

Dr. Rogers was of the middle size, and in his liabits and 
manners was more than ordinarily refined. In seasons of 
relaxation, he was agreeably facetious. He was very active, 
and walked with the agility of youth, until within a few 
weeks of his decease. The light and beauty of his charac- 
ter were especially manifest in the circle of his family, by 
the members of whom he was almost worshipped. He was 
twice married. His first wife, a daughter of William Gard- 
ner, of Philadelphia, died Oct. 10, 1793, of the yellow fever, 
at that time prevalent. The following extract from a letter 
dated Philadelphia, Dec. 9, 1793, and addressed to the 
Rev. William Button, of London, is in reference to this 
event. The letter, with an engraved likeness of the au- 
thor, was first published in London, in the N'cio Baptiiit 
Ma(jazirie for 1825. 



1764-1769. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 95 

Befoi-e this reaches you, you will probably have heard of the irrepara- 
ble loss I have met with in the death of ray dear and lovely Mrs. Rogers. 
She died during the prevalence of the awful epidemic with which our 
city Avas lately visited. I enclose you a paper which contains a short ac- 
count of her exit. It is needless for me to enlarge on this mournful vis- 
itation, having by the William Penn, which sailed ten or twelve days 
ago, forwarded for Dr. Eippon's Register a concise narrative of her life 
and bodily dissolution. Suffice it to say, that as she lived, so she died, a 
uniform and sincere Christian. But oh ! my rebellious heart cannot yet 
submit. Dear brother, pray for me, that while I mourn, I may not mur- 
mur. Had you known her worth, you would not blame me. She was — 
I must desist; my swelling breast forbids my proceeding. lam a poor 
lonely creature ! The week following her decease, I was taken down with 
the fever myself, and anticipated a speedy and eternal union with my 
dear departed wife, and otlier saints in glory. The dark valley began to 
assume the appearance of a flowered path ; but, contrary to my own and 
the expectations of all my neighbors and attendants, I was summoned 
back into life ; being snatclied, as it were, from the very brink of the grave. 
Jehovah grant that my future days may be more zealously devoted to the 
service of our Redeemer Jesus than my past has ever been. My only 
son, who was my constant nurse by day and night, providentially escaped 
the dire contagion ; so that your afflicted brother can and ought to sing of 
mercy as well as of judgment. 

Wishing you, Mrs. Button, and the whole family, health and happiness, 
I subscribe myself, reverend and dear sir, 

Your afflicted brother, 

William Rogers. 

On the 15tli of Jan., 1795, he was married to Susannah 

Marsh, ("laughter of Joseph Marsh, of Philadelphia. The 

following letter to his friend, the Rev. Dr. Hezekiah Smith, 

refers to his second marriage, and also to the death of the 

Rev. Morgan Edwards, whose funeral sermon he published 

by special request : — 

Philadelphia, April 14, 1795. 
Reverend and dear Sir : 

A combination of causes has prevented my addressing you for some 

time past. It is with pleasure that I once more resume my pen to inform 

you of my welfare, etc. 



96 MANNING AND Chap. II. 

Your favors of April 13 and Aug. 22 last were duly received, for both 
of which accept my thanks. You complain of my not writing to you. 
On this head I have only to say, that, previous to your two last, you were 
in my debt ; and as you do not mention a small packet I sent you, I am 
very fearful that it miscarried. Before this, I dare say, you have heard of 
my having once more formed a matrimonial connection. My present 
wife, like my former one, is a good religious Baptist. She is a worthy 
member of our church, and peculiarly well calculated, should God spare 
her life, of rendering me much assistance, both in my temporal and spirit- 
ual progress. You see by this that I have married in the Lord. Our 
union took place on the 15th of January ; and we join in soliciting an inter- 
est in your prayers. She is at present confined with an intermitting fever, 
though much better to-day than she was yesterday. You must also have 
heard of the death of the Rev. Morgan Edwards. He died Jan. 28. At 
his own request I preached his funeral sermon, from 2 Cor. vi. 8. The 
congregation was numerous and attentive. 

We are at peace in our church and congregation, but there is nothing 
remarkable among us of a religious kind. Yet we are not without en- 
couragement. There is considerable solemnity in our place of public 
worship, and a few instances of serious inquirers. The French go on 
gloriously. Surely the Lord will in his own appointed time shower grace 
upon his people universally, and build up the walls of his Jerusalem. 

I must conclude, but not without assuring you that my most fervent 
supplications shall not cease for the preservation and long continuance of 
your valuable life. My son, through mercy, is well. Mrs. Rogers joins 
in afFoctionate regards to self and dear Mrs. Smith. 

Yours, in a precious Saviour, 

William Rogers. 

JAMES MITCHELL VAENUM. 

Hon. James Mitchell Varniim was born in Dracut, 
Mass., in the year 1749. At the time of his graduation he 
was twenty years of age. While a student he developed a 
remarkable capacity for learning, and, although somewhat 
dissipated in his habits, made liberal acquisitions in gen- 
eral knowledge and literature. lie was especially attached 
to mathematical science, and delighted in its pursuit. Af- 



1764-1769. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 97 

ter leaving college he taught a classical school, and to 
this period of his life he ever afterwards referred as a 
season of special benefit. In the year 1771 he was admit- 
ted to the bar, having studied law in the office of Oliver 
Arnold, Esq., then the Attorney General of the colony. 
Soon afterwards he established himself in the town of 
East Greenwich, where he rapidly rose to distinction in 
his profession ; his great talents securing for hira an exten- 
sive practice. The following extract from the " Memoirs 
of Elkanah Watson, or Men and Times of the Revolution," 
presents a pleasing description of his powers of eloquence 
at this period : — 

" Mr. Varnura was one of the most eminent lawyers and 
distinguished orators in the colonies. I first saw this learned 
and amiable man in 1774, when I heard him deliver a Ma- 
sonic oration. Until that moment I had formed no concep- 
tion of the power and charms of oratory. I was so deeply 
impressed, that the effect of his splendid exhibition has re- 
mained for forty-eight years indelibly fixed upon my mind. 
I then compared his mind to a beautiful parterre, from 
which he was enabled to pluck the most gorgeous and 
fanciful flowers, in his progress, to enrich and embellish 
bis subject. Lavater would have pronounced him an or- 
ator, from the vivid flashing of his eye and the delicate 
beauty of his classic mouth." 

Mr. Yarnum had a decided taste for military life, and in 
1774 was appointed commander of the " Kentish Guards," 
a company which, from their acquirements in military 
tactics, became the nursery of many distinguished officers 
during the Revolutionary War. Among them may be 
mentioned Major Whitmarsh, Col. Christopher Greene, 
and Rhode Island's greatest general, Nathanael Greene, 
who was second only to Washington. The prominent 
9 



08 MANNING AND Chap. II 

23art -which Varnum had taken in the colonial controversy 
induced him, upon the breaking out of hostilities, to offer 
his services to the Government. He was at first a colonel 
in the American army, but in Feb., 1777, Congress promo- 
ted him to the rank of brio-adier-q-eneral. He continued in 
the army several years, and saw some service, commanding 
a brigade in Sullivan's expedition on Rhode Island. He was 
a good disciplinarian, and invaluable in council. He wielded 
a vigorous pen, commanding a rich flow of eloquence, em- 
bellished by the ornaments and graces of rhetoric. 

While in command at Taunton, he addressed an admi- 
rable letter to the chief officer of the Hessians in Rhode 
Island, and sent it in by a flag. The letter was a tran- 
script of his views on the great controversy with England, 
and was considered an able argument on the subject. It 
was subsequently published in England, and reflected 
much credit on the author. In 1779 he resigned his com- 
mission, and returned to his former profession. The Leg- 
islature, in consideration of his national services, and the 
more eflectually to secure them in defence of the State, 
elected him Major-General of the Militia of Rhode Island, 
an office to which he was annually reelected during tlie 
remainder of his life. In 1780 he was appointed a dele- 
gate to the Congress of the Confederation, and again in 
1786. As that body sat with closed doors, his voice could 
not be heard by the public ; but his name often appears in 
the publislied journals of the proceedings. 

The great forensic efibrt of Gen. Varnum was in the 
celebrated case of Trevett against Weedcn, in the fall of 
the year 178G. The General Assembly, at its May session, 
with a wilful blindness unparalleled in the annals of civiliza- 
tion, had emitted the enormous sum of £100.000 in paper 
bills, making them "a good and lawful tendei»for the com- 



1764-1769. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 99 

plete payment and final discharge of all fines, forfeitures, 
judgments, and executions of every kind and nature what- 
soever." They also passed acts making it criminal to 
refuse said bills in exchange for articles of merchandise, 
and depriving their opponents of the sacred palladium of 
Britons, the trial by jury, and furthermore rendering them, 
even though freemen, ineligible to any office. In the case 
referred to, John Trevett, of Newport, had purchased meat 
of John Weeden, a butcher, and tendered to him bills of 
the emission of the May session of the Legislature in pay- 
ment ; which bills Weeden refused. Whereupon a com- 
plaint was made and filed, in accordance wath the acts of the 
General Assembly, before Paul Mumford, Chief Justice of 
the Supreme Court. The court consisted of Paul Mumford, 
Chief Justice, and Joseph Hazard, Thomas Tillinghast, and 
David Howell, associates. When the case came up for trial, 
the whole public was in a state of feverish excitement. The 
merchant closed his store, the farmers lefl their fields, the 
mechanic his workship, and all congregated in and around 
the courthouse to aw^ait the final issue. If the complaint 
was sustained, then would they be prostrated in utter ruin, 
and the commerce and business of the State be effectually 
destroyed. Varnum proved himself equal to this emer- 
gency. By his resistless eloquence he stemmed the tide of 
power and misrule, and successfully vindicated the claims 
of equity and justice. The court adjudged that the amend- 
ed acts of the Legislature were unconstitutional, and so 
void. The tyranny of the demagogues was thus over- 
thrown, and the State was saved. 

In the year 1787, Gen. Varnum was appointed by Con- 
gress one of the judges of the Northwestern Territory, and 
in the following spring entered upon his duties. But dis- 
ease had enfeebled his body, and his race was nearly run. 



lOO MANNING AND Chap. II. 

He died at Marietta, Ohio, on the 10th of January, 1789, 
at the early age of forty. His funeral was conducted 
with great solemnity and respect. A long procession of 
mourners — private citizens, civil and military officers, gen- 
tlemen of the Order of Cincinnati, and Free Masons — fol- 
lowed his remains to the grave. 

Early in life Gen. Varnum married Martha, the eldest 
daughter of Cromel Child, of Warren, a most estimable 
lady, whose acquaintance he had formed while prosecuting 
his college studies. She survived her husband forty-eight 
years, dying at Bristol, without issue, Oct. 10, 1837, at the 
advanced age of eighty-eight. The following affectionate 
and interesting letter, addressed to Mrs. Varnum in the 
autumn of 1788, shows the religious views and feelings of 
the writer in a pleasing light, and affords good evidence 
that he died in the full assurance of a blessed immortality, 
notwithstanding the sceptical and philosophical opinions 
iu which he had previously indulged. The letter was first 
published in the 3Iassachusetts Magazine for November, 
1790, with the following note from the author's friend and 
early instructor prefixed : — 

To THE Editors, etc. : 

Gextlemex : — From a full conviction that the enclosed letter from the 
late Gen. Varnum to his most amiable lady (written a few days before 
his departure from this distempered state of being) Avill give pleasure to 
every feeling heart, I have obtained leave to present it to your numerous 
readers. 

I am, with respectful esteem, yours, etc., 

James Manning. 

My dearest and most estimable Friend : 

I now write from my sick-chamber; and perhaps it will be the last letter 
that you will receive from me. My lungs are so far affected that it is im- 
possible for me to recover but by exchange of air and a warmer climate. I 



1764-1769. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 101 

expect to leave this place on Sunday or Monday next for the Falb of the 
Ohio. If I feel myself mend by the toar, I shall go no further ; but if 
not, and if my health should continue, I expect to proceed to New Or- 
leans, and from thence by the West Indies to Rhode Island. My physi- 
cians, most of them, think the chances of recovery in my favor. However, 
I am neither elevated nor depressed by the force of opinion, but shall 
meet my fate with humility and fortitude. * 

I cannot but indulge the hope that I shall again embrace my lovely 
friend in this world, and that we may glide smoothly down the tide of 
time for a few years, and enjoy together the more substantial happiness 
and satisfaction, as we have had already the desirable pleasures, of life. 

It is now almost nineteen years since Heaven connected us by the ten- 
derest and the most sacred ties, and it is the same length of time that our 
friendship hath been increased by every rational and endearing motive ; it 
is now stronger than death, and I am firmly persuaded will follow us into 
an existence of never-ending felicity. But, my lovely friend, the gloomy 
moment will arrive when we must part ; and should it arrive during our 
present separation, my last and only reluctant thoughts will be employed 
about my dearest Martha. Life, my dearest friend, is but a bubble : it 
soon bursts, and is remitted to eternity. When we look back to the earliest 
recollections of our youthful hours, it seems but the last period of oixr rest, 
and we appear to emerge from a night of slumbers to look forwai'd to real 
existence. When we look forward, time appears as indeterminate as 
eternity, and we have no idea of its termination but by the period of our 
dissolution. What particular relation it bears to a future state, our general 
notions of religion cannot point. We feel something constantly active 
within us, that is evidently beyond the reach of mortality ; but whether it 
is a part of ourselves, or an emanation from the pure Source of existence, 
or reabsorbed when death shall have finished his work, human Avisdom 
cannot determine ; whether the demolition of the body introduces only a 
change in the manner of our being, or leaves it to progress infinitely, al- 
ternatively elevated and depressed according to the propriety of our con- 
duct, or whether we return to the common mass of unthinking matter, 
philosophy hesitates to decide. 

I know, therefore, but one source from whence can be derived complete 
consolation in a dying hour, and that is the divine system contained in 
the gospel of Jesus Christ. There life and immortality are brought to 
light, — there we are taught our existence is to be eternal ;' and, secure in 
an interest in the atoning merits of a bleeding Saviour, that we shall be 
9* 



102 MANNING AND Chap. II. 

inconceivably happy. A firm and unshaken faith in this doctrine must 
raise us above tlie doubts and fears that hang upon every other system, 
and enable us to view with a calm serenity the approach of the king of 
terrors, and to behold him as a kind and indulgent friend, spending his 
shafts only to carry us the sooner to our everlasting home. But should 
there be a more extensive religion beyond the veil, and without the reach 
of mortal observation, the Christian religion is by no means shaken 
thereby, as it is not opposed to any principle that admits of the perfect be- 
nevolence of Deity. My only doubt is, whether the punishment threat- 
ened in the New Testament is annexed to a state of unbelief which may 
be removed hereafter, and so restoration take place, or whether the state 
of the mind at death irretrievably fixes its doom forever. I hope and 
pray that the Divine Spirit will give me such assurances of an acceptance 
with God, through the merits and sufferings of his Son, as to brighten the 
way to immediate happiness. 

Dry up your tears, my charming mourner, nor suffer this letter to give 
too much inquietude. Consider the facts at present as in theory, but the 
sentiments such as will apply whenever the change shall come. 

I know that humanity must and will be indulged in its keenest grief; 
but there is no advantage in too deeply anticipating our inevitable sorrows. 
If I did not persuade myself that you would conduct with becoming pru- 
dence and fortitude upon this occasion, my own unhappincss would be 
greatly increased, and perhaps my disorder too; but I have so much confi- 
dence in your discretion as to unbosom my inmost soul. 

You must not expect to hear from me again until the coming spring, as 
the river will soon be shut with ice, and there will be no communication 
from below ; if in a situation for the purpose, I will return as soon as 
practicable. 

Give my sincerest love to those you hold dear. I hope to see them 
again, and love them more than ever. Adieu, my dearest friend. And 
while I fezwently devote in one undivided prayer our immortal souls to 
the care, forgiveness, mercy, and all-prevailing grace of Heaven, in time 
and through eternity, I must bid you a long, long, long farewell. 

James M. Varnum. 



1764-1769. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 103 



CHARLES THOMPSON". 

The Rev. Charles Thompson, valedictorian of the class, 
was born at Amwell, N. J., on the 14th of April, 1748. 
Before graduating he had already commenced preaching. 
Upon the removal of President Manning to Providence, the 
church at Warren were left without a minister, and Thomp- 
son v/as accordingly invited to pieach to them with a 
view to settlement. The following year he was ordained 
as pastor of the church, being at this time twenty-three 
years of age. His labors in the ministry were attended 
with a rich blessing ; so that during the four years of his 
continuance at Warren, the membership of the church was 
nearly doubled. But when the war of the Revolution 
broke out, its sad effects were specially visible among his 
people. He was at once appointed a chaplain in the Amer- 
ican army, which office he held till 1778, a period of three 
years. While at home on a visit, the English troops came 
up to Warren, and on the morning of May 25, 1778, burned 
the meeting-house, j^arsonage, arsenal, and several private 
dwellings, and carried away Mr. Thompson as a prisoner. He 
was confined at iNTewport ; but in about a month he was 
released, by what means he never knew. He afterwards 
preached at Ashford, Ct., until 1779, when he became pastor 
of the church in Swanzey. During his ministry of twenty- 
three years at this latter place, there were several extensive 
revivals of religion : one immediately after his settlement, 
when seventy-five persons were baptized and added to 
the church ; one in 1789, when fifty persons were baptized ; 
and a third in 1800, of still greater extent, which resulted 
in the admission to the church of a hundred new members. 
He died in Charlton, Worcester County, Mass., on the 4th 



104 MANNING AND Chap. II. 

of May 1803, at the age of fifty-five. Mr. Thompson, says 
his biographer, was tall, spare, and of a fine figure. The 
expression of his countenance was indicative both of a 
vigorous intellect and an amiable disposition. He placed 
a high value upon time, and improved all his hours to 
good purpose. In his family and in the church he was a 
model of kindness combined with firmness. As a preacher 
he held a very high rank. He had a voice of great com- 
pass, and its tones were at once sweet and commanding. 
His sermons were carefully studied, and were sometimes 
written ; but his manuscript was never seen in the pulpit, 
and his language was generally such as was supplied to him 
at the moment. He was very successful in the instruction 
of youth, and for several years received young men under 
his care, with a view to direct their education. He was fully 
master of whatever he attempted to teach. In a word, he 
may be regarded as an accomplished scholar, a devout 
Christian, and a successful preacher. From the year 1795 
until his death he was a Trustee of the college. The 
original manuscript of his valedictory oration is still care- 
fully preserved among the archives of the college library.^ 

WILLIAM WILLIAMS. 

The Rev. William Williams was born in Hilltown, Bucks 
County, Pa., in the year 1752. His fiithcr emigrated from 
Wales, and settled in this country as a farmer, accumulat- 
ing a handsome property. The son was fitted for college 
at the Hopewell Academy, taught by the Rev. Isaac 
Eaton. lie came to Warren in 17G(), and entered the 
Sophomore Class. In the autumn following his gradua- 
tion, he was married to Patience, daughter of Col. Nathan 

* Spragiie'H Aiinala olthe American Pulpit. 



1764-1769. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 105 

Miller, of Warren. In September, 1771, he was baptized by 
his classmate, Mr. Thompson, and received as a member 
of the church under his care. For several years after 
leaving college he engaged in teaching, — an employment 
for which his talents and inclinations especially qualified 
him. In 1773, he removed with his family to Wrentham, 
Mass., where he opened an academy, which soon attained 
to high distinction among the literary institutions of that 
day. He is supposed to have had under his care nearly 
two hundred youth, about eighty of whom he fitted for his 
Alma Mater. Not a few of these became distinguished 
in professional and political life ; among whom may be 
mentioned the Rev. Dr. Maxcy, successor to Manning; the 
Hon. David R. Williams, Governor of South Carolina; and 
the Hon. Tristam Burgess, LL. D., Professor of Oratory 
and Belles-lettres in Brown University, and for many 
years a distinguished Representative in Congress. Mr. 
Williams also conducted the theological studies of young 
men with a view to their entering the ministry.^ On the 
3d of July, 1776, he was publicly ordained as pastor of the 
Baptist church in Wrentham, — an office which he lield 
for nearly half a centmy. Though strictly evangelical in 
his doctrines, he was not regarded as a popular preacher. 
Quite a number of his early manuscript sermons are among 
the archives of the college library. They are written in 
a plain, legible hand, and exhibit marks of careful prep- 
aration. Mr. Williams, says his biographer, certainly had 
the ability to keep his church in a quiet, orderly state, and, 
by a steady course of enlightened Christian activity, to 
accomplish a great amount of good among his people. 
Few men have contributed more than he to the social and 



1 One of his pupils in theology was the lamented William Gammell of Newport, 
father of Professor William Gammell. 



1C>6 MAXXIXG AXD BROWX UXIVERSITY. Chap. II. 

intellectual improvement of the Baptist denomination iu 
New England. He died on the 22d of September, 1823, 
aged seventy-one. He was a Fellow of the college from 
1789 to 1818. In 1777, when the college building was oc- 
cupied by the army, the library was removed to Wrentham, 
and intrusted to his care and keeping. Mr. Williams was 
twice married. His first wife, as already stated, was a 
daughter of Col. Miller, Dr. Manning's colleague in Con- 
gress. In 1804 he was married to Mrs. Dolly Hancock, 
of Wrentham, daughter of a Mr. Titus. He was the father 
of seven children, several of whom still survive him.^ 

We append to the foregoing sketch a copy of Mr. Wil- 
liams's " parchment," which the curious may wish to com- 
pare with the diplomas of the present day : — 

Omnibus ad quos praesentes Literae pervenerint salutem. Notum sit 
quod Collegii in Anglicana Rhodiorum Providentiatiumque Colonia inter 
Nov. Anglos in America Sociorum Ordo Gulielmo AVilliams juveni probe 
et ingenuo, in omnibus Humanitatis Literarumque Studiis in nostra Acad- 
emia institute, et Examine sufficiente previo approbate Baecalaurei 
Gradum decrevit, publieis in Comitiis apud Warren in Colonia supradicta 
liabitis Die Scptime Septembris Anneque Domini Millesimo Septingen- 
tessimo Sexagessimo None. In Cujus Rei Te-tinionium Sigillum Collegii 
huic Membranae affixura Xominaque nostra subsi-ripta sunt. 

Jacobus Maxxing, Praeses. 

David Hoell, Phil. Professor. 

Thomas Eyres, Secretary. 

* Sprague's Annals of the American Pulpit. 



CHAPTER III 



1769-1770. 

Erection of a College edifice, and place of location — Warren, East Greenwich, 
Newport, and Providence contend for the honor — Meeting of the Corporation 
at Newport in reference thereto — Final contest between Newport and Prov- 
idence— Subscriptious in Newport — Final meeting of the Corporation on the 
question of location— Names of the thirty-five members j)resent — Decision iu 
favor of Providence — Letter to Kev. Hezekiah Smith giving a detailed account 
of this meeting — Proceedings of the Corporation with reference to Manning's 
removal to Providence — Comparison between Providence and Newport at 
this time — Attempt to establish another college, at Newport — Home-lot of 
Chad Brown selected for the location of the College — Plans of Nassau Hall, 
Princeton, adopted for the building — Corner-stone laid by John Brown- 
Manning sunders his connection with the church at Warren — His struggles 
of mind in regard to duty — Eemoves to Providence —Remarks of Prof. God- 
dard respecting his position at this time — Letter to Eev. Dr. Stennett, of 
London — Stennett's reply — Efforts of Rev. Hezekiah Smith to secure funds 
for the College, in South Carolina and Georgia — Letter from Rev. Oliver 
Hart in reference thereto — Account of the first Commencement in Providence 
— Letter to Thomas Lapham, of Smithtield, illustrating the early discipline of 
the College — Biographical Sketch of Rev. L^aac Backus — Sketch ot Rev. Dr. 
Samuel Stillman —Sketch of Rev. Dr. Hezekiah Smith — Extracts from Smith's 
correspondence while in the Army — Influence of the Brown family upon the 
College — Biographical sketches of their Ancestors: I. Chad Brown; II. John 
Brown; III. James Brown ; IV. James Brown — Biographical sketches of the 
" Four Brothers," Nicholas, Joseph, John, and Moses Brown — Transit of Ve- 
nus — Destruction of the schooner Gaspee. 

At the time of the Commencement at "Warren, the col- 
lege,, says Edwards, " was for the most part friendless and 
moneyless, and therefore forlorn, insomuch that an edifice 
was hardly thought of. But frequent remittances being 
made from England, some began to hope, and many to fear 
that the institution would come to something, and stand. 



108 MANNING AND Chap. IH. 

Then a building and the place of it were talked of, which 
opened a new scene of troubles and contentions, that had 
well-nigh ruined all." 

Warren was at first selected as a suitable i:»lace for the 
final location of the college, and a committee was appointed 
to purchase materials for an edifice, secure a lot, and so- 
licit subscriptions. The church in Warren anticipating, 
perhaps, the action of the corporation, voted that "the 
meeting-house in this town be and is for the use of the 
corporation and President at Commencement times, and 
oftener, if wanted by either, only so as not to interfere 
with divine worship ; provided, that the college edifice 
be founded and built in the county of Bristol ; and that 
the parsonage-house in said Warren be for the use of the 
President, so long as the President be our minister." 

But soon afterwards, continues Edwards, " some, who 
were unwilling it should be anywhere, did so far agree as 
to lay aside the said location, and propose that the county 
which should raise the most money should have the col- 
lege." 

Application having been made to the corporation by 
gentlemen from East Greenwich and vicinity, setting forth 
that they had opened a subscription for the college, on 
condition that the edifice be erected in the county of Kent, 
and requesting an opportunity for assigning their reasons 
why the vote of Sept. 7th, fixing the location at Warren 
should be reconsidered, a special meeting of the corpora- 
tion was held at Newport, on the 14th of November, 1769.^ 

1 Although no formal action in rc'f(?roncc to a building and location was taken 
by the corporation until about this time, it appears from the following extract 
from llezekiah Smith's Diary, that subscriptions were secured at an earlier 
period : — 

" Tuesday^ Sept. 3, ITCo. Wont to Newport, and stayed at Col. Beunot's till 
Saturday. Wednesday and Thursday I was with the corporation, which sat upon 



1769-1770. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 109 

At this meeting, which was adjourned from day to day, 
after a protracted discussion it was voted that the edifice 
be at Providence, unless within six weeks a larger sub- 
scription should be raised in Newport County, " superior 
to any now offered." The main contest was from this 
time between Providence and Newport. The friends of 
the college who desired its location in the latter place 
soon succeeded in obtaining a subscription amounting to 
about four thousand pounds, lawful money, being a larger 
subscription than any that had yet been obtained.^ Ac- 
cordingly a final meeting on the subject was held at War- 
ren, on Wednesday, Feb. 7th, 1770. 

the college business, and was elected one of the Fellows of the college. On 
Thursday, 5th, Mr. Manning was chosen President. We, although but part of 
the corporation, subscribed for the building and endowing the college nineteen 
hundred and ninety-two dollars." 

1 The following is the heading and preamble to this subscription, which we copy 
from an original paper. Among the largest subscribers on this occasion was 
Abraham Redwood, Esq., founder of the " Redwood Library." He afterwards 
subscribed, says the Providence Gazette, five hundred pounds sterling towards 
a second college or university, which it was proposed to erect in Newport. 

SOBSCRIPTIONS FOR THE RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE. 

Whereas the Governor and Company of the English Colony of Rhode Island 
and Providence Plantations, in New England in America, by an act passed at 
their session in Feb , 176i, incorporated certain persons, therein mentioned, into a 
body politic, and granted tliem full power and ample authority to found and 
endow a college or university in said colony : And whereas a sufficient number 
of the persons so appointed have qualified themselves agreeable to said act, and 
are taking the most probable measures for forming so useful and honorable an 
institution, which will necessarily be attended with considerable expense: We, 
therefore, the subscribers, sensible that nothing hatha greater tendency to adorn 
human nature and to promote the true interest and happiness of mankind than 
useful literature, and that the fixing the college in the town of Newport will be 
•attended with the greatest advantages to the said institution, do, in considera- 
tion thereof, each one for himself, promise and engage to give, and accordingly 
to pay, unto Job Bennet, Esq., treasurer of the said corporation, or his successor 
in said office, or order, the several sums affixed to our names, respectively, to be 
applied primarily to the building a suitable college edifice, and the surplus in 
such a manner as the said corporation shall think most conducive to answer 

10 



11<^ MANNING AND Chap. ITT. 

Thirty-five members of the corporation were present ; 
namely, Trustees (giving their names as they stand upon 
the records) — The Chancellor, Hon. Samuel Ward Esq., 
George Hazard Esq., Mr. Peleg Barker, Rev. Russell Ma- 
son, Mr. John Warner, Nicholas Brown Esq., Mr. Nathan 
Spear, Nicholas Cook Esq., Mr. Sylvester Childs, Hon. Jo- 
sias Lyndon, Mr. John Tanner, Hon. Joseph Wanton Jr., 
Mr. Thomas Greene, Mr. Joseph Brown, Joseph Russell 
Esq., Ephraim Bowen Esq., Mr. Edward Thurston Jr., 
Mr. John G. Wanton, Rev. Gardner Thurston, Rev. Sam- 
uel Winsor, Rev. Isaac Backus, Daniel Jenckes Esq., Job 
Bennet Esq., James Helme Esq., Mr. William Brown, Rev. 
John Maxson, Darius Sessions Esq. — 28. 

Fellows — The President, Rev. Edward Upham, Mr. 
Thomas Eyres, Joshua Babcock Esq., Rev. Samuel Still- 
man, Henry Ward Esq., Jabez Bowen Jr. Esq. — 7. 

At this meeting subscriptions and securities were finally 
olTcrcd to the corporation, from the town and county of 
Newport, to the amount of £4558 14s., lawful money, the 
greater part being expressly conditioned that the college 
be placed in said town. From the town and county 
of Providence were offered subscriptions and securities 
amounting to £4399 13s. The final vote, as appears from 
the records, was as follows : — 

" Whereas the coi-poration have fully heard committees from the coun- 
ties of Newport, Kent, and Bristol, upon their application for a repeal of 
the vote of this corporation, on the 16th day of November last, for loca- 
ting the college edifice in tlic town of Providence, and maturely considered 
the several sums offered, and all the arguments used by all the parties 
concerned, and thereupon the vote being put, Recede or Not, it passed 
in the negative — twenty-ono votes to fourteen. It is therefore Resolved, 

the ends of their institution. I'rovided, nevertheless, and this subscription is 
made upon express condition, that tLc college edifice be erected in the said town 
of Newport; otherwise the same shall be void. 



17G-.M770. BROWN UNIVERSITY. Ill 

That the said edifice be built in the town of Providence, and there be con- 
tinued forever." 

We have thus given a brief account of the location 
of the college, compiled mainly from the original records. 
The following letter from the President to the Rev. 
Hezekiah Smith, who was now collecting funds for the 
institution, in South Carolina and Georgia, gives a very- 
animated account of this memorable meeting of the cor- 
poration : — 

Warren, Feb. 12, 1770. 

Reverend Sir : — Last week I received a letter from you of the 2d ult., 
in which you inform me of your success at Georgia, and your expectations 
from the South province. All your friends here rejoice that you succeed 
so well in getting the needful for the college. " Great luck to you," as 
said Mr. Francis in his prayer. I thought it strange that I had no letter 
by Capt. Durphce from you or Mr. Hart, as I wrote by him to you both. 
Last Aveek I received a letter from Nelson, at Haverill, and he gives me 
a pleasing account of matters there. Had not his modesty forbid, I im- 
agine he would have told me that the people were well suited with him. 
We had another meeting of the corporation last Wednesday, when there 
were thirty-five members present. They were called to consider proposals 
from Newport in favor of setting the edifice in that town, as they had 
raised by subscription X4000, lawful money, ^ taking in their unconditional 
subscription. But Providence presented £4280, lawful, i and advantages 
superior to Newport in other respects. The dispute lasted from Wednes- 
day last, ten o'clock, A. M., until the same hour on Thursday, P. M. The 
matter was debated with great spirit, and before a crowded audience. The 
vote was put, Recede or Not ? It went Not, by 21 against 14. You asked 
me in your last whether it had not raised a party in the government. I 
answer no ; but it has warmed up the old one something considerable. I 
was greatly censured by people in Newport for not joining to call a meet- 

1 The reader will observe here a discrepancy between Manning's statement 
and the records. This we can only account for on the supposition that Man- 
ning presents, in a familiar way, the general aspect of the question at the com- 
mencement of the dispute, whereas the records give the final result. It is evi- 
dent that other considerations besides those of a pecuniary character determined 
the location of the college. 



112 MANNING AND Chap. III. 

ing- about the first of January, and a great noise was made because I 
would not act contrary to an express vote of the corporation at the meet- 
ing on the 10th of November. But at our last meeting the house gave 
me liberty to attempt a vindication of my conduct, and after hearing me 
through in the matter, they came to a vote, nemine contradicente, that they 
saw no reason why I should be blamed in this matter, and that they ap- 
proved of my conduct. In the course of the debates there was sometimes 
undue warmth, but, upon the whole, it subsided, and all parties seemed 
much more unanimous than I expected, in after business. Many of the 
gentlemen of Newjiort said they had had a fair hearing, and had lost it ; 
but their friendship to the college remained, and they would keep their 
places, pay their money, and forward to their utmost the design. The 
college edifice is to be on the same plan as that of Princeton, built of brick, 
four stories high, and one hundred and fifty feet long. I wish I had a 
draught to send you, but it is not in my power. They determine to have 
the roof on next fall, and to cover it with slate, as they are now able. 
Now if we can get it endowed, we shall be compos voti. This I hope you 
will in part accomplish. I have thought of going to the Jerseys in the 
spring. If I should, I cannot go to Haverill the first of May ; for I must 
consult my westward friends in a matter of so much consequence as mov- 
ing or not moving with the college. If I go to the Jerseys, it will probably 
be about the middle of April. Religion is upon the revival in these parts. 
Messrs. Stillman and Spear were up from Boston, and Backus from 
Middleborough. It is said that the eight ministers at the corporation 
meeting were all for Providence. This I shall not assert, however. But 
I believe the Baptist society in general arc not dissatisfied at the determi- 
nation. I could tell you a long tale if I had time, but can only tell you 
that we have twenty-three scholars, eighteen of whom are matriculated. 
Mrs. Manning joins in love to you, Mr. and Mrs. Ilart, etc., Avith, sir. 
Your unworthy brother, and servant in the gospel, 

James Manning. 

At this meeting of the corporation it was also resolved: — 

" That the Bcv. Messrs. Edward Upham, Isaac Backus, Samuel Stillman, 
Gardner Thurston, John Maxson, Russell Mason, and SamuclWinsor, or 
any throe of them, be a committee to wait upon Mr. President Mi\nning, 
and infornj him of the hearty approbation we have of his conduct, care, 
and government of the college, and request him still to sustain the office 
he liath discharged with so mudi honor, and to go with the college to 



1769-1770. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 113 

Providence when it shall be removed ; and that they treat with the con- 
gregation of which the President is pastor, and inform them of this request, 
and endeavor to procure their consent to his removal; and that they 
report to the next corporation meeting." 

This cautious delicacy, remarks Prof. Godclarcl, with 
which the corporation interfered with President Manning's 
existing relations, presents a somewhat grateful contrast 
to the unceremonious and otherwise questionable modes 
of procedure, which, under similar circumstances, are now 
sometimes adopted. 

The final decision to locate the college at Providence, 
although a wise one, as the result has proved, seems never- 
theless remarkable in view of the relative importance of 
the two rival candidates for the honor. Providence was 
then a town, with a population of less than four thousand, 
while Newport was the second city in JSTew England, and 
the centre of opulence, refinement, and learning. In her 
extensive commerce and trade, her numerous manufacto- 
ries, and her merchant princes, she excelled indeed all other 
cities in the American Colonies. As early as 1729, Bishop 
Berkley, in one of his letters to a friend in Dublin, described 
Newport " as the most thriving place in all America for 
bigness." The late Dr. Waterhouse, in a newspaper arti- 
cle published in 1824, thus writes: "The island of Rhode 
Island, from its salubrity and surpassing beauty, before the 
Revolutionary War so sadly defaced it, was the chosen 
resort of the rich, and philosophic, from nearly all parts of 
the civilized world." Among the arguments advanced in 
favor of Newport, was the advantage to be derived by the 
professors and students from the Redwood Library. This 
was at the time the second library in the country, contain- 
ing about fifteen hundred choice books on the arts and 
sciences, and especially rich in classical and theological lore. 
10* 



m MANNING AND Chap. III. 

Providence, on the other hand, had no such literary ad- 
vantages. But her situation was more convenient, and in 
case of any rupture with the British Government, of which 
there were strong probabilities at this time, she was much 
less exposed to an invasion or attack. Besides, here Roger 
Williams found his home and resting-place, and here was 
the centre of Baptist influence. Hence the "Baptist Soci- 
ety," as Manning designates the denomination at large, 
were not dissatisfied with the final action of the corpo- 
ration. It will be observed that Providence, according 
to the records, offered a less amount in subscri|)tions and 
securities than her defeated rival. 

One of the results of the location of this institution at 
Providence, was an application to the General Assembly, 
by another set of petitioners, for anotlier college. At the 
February session, 1770, a charter for an academy and col- 
lege, to be located in Newport, passed the lower house of 
the Assembly, by twenty majority. The application, says 
Judge Staples, was not favorably received in the upper 
house, where it was either rejected or indefinitely post- 
poned.^ The following action of the cor])oration, at a 
special meeting held in Warren on tlie 2d of April, is the 
probable explanation of the defeat of this project: — 

" Resolved, Tliat this corj)oration make application to the General As- 
sembly, and pray that a petition now before the Assembly, for granting a 
charter to another college, be rejected." 

" Voted, That the Chancellor, the President, Hon. Darius Sessions, 
Rev. Samuel Stillman, Col. Job Bennet, and the Secretary (Thomas 
Eyres), be a committee to draw a memorial to the General Assembly, pur- 
suant to the preceding vote." 

Tlie said memorial or remonstrance having been pre- 
par(Ml and approved, it was — 

1 Annals of Providence, p. fi'iO. 



1709-J770. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 115 

" Voted, That the Hon. Stephen Hopkins, Hon. Samuel Ward, Hon. 
Darius Sessions, Job Bennct, Moses Brown, Daniel Jenckes, John Til- 
linghast, Oliver Arnold, and James Mitchell Varnum, be, and they or the 
major part of ihcm are, appointed a committee to be jaresent at the Gen- 
eral Assembly, and enforce the said remonstrance." 

The location of the edifice having thus been finally de- 
termined upon, the building committee j^rosecuted their 
labors with great energy and zeal. Tlie lot selected for it 
comprised originally eight acres, including a portion of the 
" home-lot " of Chad Brown, the " first Baptist elder in 
Rhode Island." It was for this reason purchased by John 
and Moses Brown, and a deed of the same given by them 
to the corporation, that the college might stand on the 
original lot^of their j^ious ancestor. The plans which the 

1 This lot, extending from Main Street to Power Street, and also the home- 
lots of George Kickard and John Warner, which came into the possession of Chad 
Brown, descended, on the death of said Brown, to his eldest son, John, who, in 
1672, gave a deed thereof to his brothers James and Jeremiah, reserving the fam- 
ily burial ground, situated a little west from the old Town House, on College 
Street. It was afferwards sold to Daniel Abbot, from whom it descended to his 
son Daniel, and from him,^the middle part whereon University Hall now stands, 
to Samuel Fenner, of Cranston, a nephew of Abbot's wife. It was purchased of 
Fenner, in 1770, by John and Moses Brown, and by them sold to the corporation, 
for the sum of three hundred and thirty dollars, paid by a discount from their 
subscriptions, in order that the college " might stand on the original lot of the 
first Baptist elder in this State." (See papers of the late Moses Brown.) 

The following extract from the Record of Deeds, Book 19, p. 108, will be in- 
teresting to the antiquarian. It presents a clear and accurate account of the 
southern half of the original college premises. 

EXTRACT FROM DEED OF COLLEGE LOT. 

"To all people to whom these presents shall come: We, John Brown and 
Moses Brown, both of Providence, in the County of Providence and Colony of 
Rhode Island and ProvidencePlantatious, merchants, send greeting: — Know ye, 
that we, the said John and Moses Brown, for and in consideration of the sum of 
three hundred and thirty dollars, to us in hand already paid by the Trustees and 
Fellows of the college or university in the English Colony of Rhode Island 
and Providence Plantations, in New England in America, the receipt whereof, 
by a discount out of the sums we have severally subscribed to the college, we do 



IIG MANNING AND Chap. III. 

committee adoi3ted for the building were, in the main, those 
of Nassau Hall, Princeton, which, as we have before re- 
marked, was regarded as one of the finest structures in the 
country. They broke ground on Tuesday, the 27th day 
of March, 1770, and on the 14th day of May following, the 

hereby acknowledge, have given, granted, bargained, sold, aliened, enfeoffed, con- 
veyed, and confirmed, and by these presents do give, grant, sell, alien, convey, 
and confirm unto said Trustees and Fellows, and to their successors and assigns 
forever, one certain piece or parcel of land lying in the town of Providence, 

bounded which said piece of land contains about four acres, and became 

the property of us, said Moses and John Brown, by a deed of bargain and sale 
from Samuel Fenner, of Cranston, who received it as one of the legatees of Daniel 
Abbott, Esq., late of said Providence, deceased, who received the northerly third 
part thereof from his father, Daniel Abbott, by descent, who purchased the same of 
James Brown, who received it of his brother John Brown, the present grantor's 
great-grandfather, who received it by descent from his father Chad Brown, who 
was one of the original proprietors after the native Indians of whom it was pur- 
chased, and is the middle part of that which was his houselot or home-share of 
land so called ; the other two thirds being the middle part of the original house- 
lot or home-share of George Rickard, since called John Warner's, which part was 
conveyed by the said Rickard to the said Chad Brown, from whom it descended 
to his aforesaid son John, who conveyed it to his brother Jeremiah Brown, who 
conveyed the same to the aforesaid Daniel Abbott the elder, from whom it de- 
scended to Daniel Abbott the younger, and became Samuel Feifner's as aforesaid : 
the whole of this piece of land making the southern half of the lot and highway 
leading to it whereon the college edifice is now erecting." 

Signed Aug. 1st, 1770, by John Brown and his wife Sarah, Moses Brown and 
his wile Anna, and Stephen Hopkins, Chief Justice.. Recorded Jan. 7, 1771, in 
book 19, page 108. 

The northern half of the original college premises, consisting of about four 
acres of land, was purchased by the corporation, as per deed recorded in the 
aforesaid book, page 106, of Oliver Bowen, of Providence, one of the legatees of 
the aforesaid Daniel Abbott, Esq., for the sum of four hundred dollars. Mr. 
Abbott, says the record, " took it by descent from his father Daniel Abbott, Avho 
received two thirds part of it, being on the north side, from Robert Williams, by 
deed of gift, who purchased it by deed of bargain and sale of Robert Morrice, 
Avho purchased of Daniel Abbott the first, who was an original proprietor after 
the native Indians. The other third part the second named Daniel Abbott pur- 
chased by deed of bargain and sale from his brother John Brown, who took it 
by descent from his father Chad Brown." It will thus be seen that Chad Brown 
originally owned, or came into the possession of all the land which constituted 
he original college premises, with the exception of a small portion which at first 
belonged to Daniel Abbott. 



1769-1770. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 117 

corner-stone of what is now called University Hall was 
laid by John Brown. This stone is said by Mr. Rowland 
to have been the first one laid in the foundation, at the 
bottom of the cellar wall, in the southwest corner of the 
building. Tradition adds that Mr. Brown, in accordance 
with the customs of the times, generously treated the 
crowd with punch, in honor of the joyful occasion. 

Mr. Edwards describes the location selected by the com- 
mittee as " remarkably airy, healthful, and pleasant ; being 
the summit of a hill pretty easy of ascent, and command- 
ing a prospect of the town of Providence below, of the 
Narraganset Bay and the islands, and of an extensive coun- 
try, variegated with hills and dales, woods and plains," etc. 
Surely, he adds, " this spot was made for a seat of the 
Muses." 

Meanwhile the President was prayerfully considering 
the sundering of his connection with the church in Warren ; 
an event in which his tenderest and best feelings were in- 
volved. It is true that the compensation which he had 
thus far received for his various labors had been barely 
sufficient for his support. " While, however," says Prof. 
Goddard, " his outward man was thus a stranger to the 
luxurious accommodations of life, his inner man was sus- 
tained by the ennobling consciousness that he lived not in 
vain ; that he was treading with cheerful alacrity the path 
of appointed trial ; and that through his agency multi- 
tudes were becoming wiser and better, for time and for 
eternity. On this passage in the life of Dr. Manning it is 
delightful to dwell. It is delightful to turn aside from 
scenes of political ambition and ecclesiastical turbulence, 
which now mar our peace, and to repose for a while upon 
a bygone example of unaffected humility, of quiet duty, 
and confiding prayer. He had been elected President of 



^'^^ MANNING AND Chap. HI. 

Rhode Island College ; and the future prosperity of that 
institution was thought to depend on its removal to Prov- 
idence. So affectionately desirous, however, was Dr. Man- 
ning of the people of his care, many of whom had, through 
his instrumentality, ex])erienced the transforming efficacy 
of the religion of Christ, that he could not find it in his 
heart to leave them. To avoid a separation so painful to his 
sensibilities, he even proposed to resign the elevated station 
to which he had just been appointed. To this proposition 
his influential friends would not listen, and they persuaded 
him to abandon all thought of resigning the presidentship.^ 
While we are compelled to think that his final decision 
was a wise one, we honor the feelings which well-nigh be- 
trayed his judgment. Under similar circumstances, how 
few men would have faltered, — how few would have sought 
to renounce the pathway to literary and social distinction, 
for the unambitious career of a village pastor!" 

After consulting with "his fiimily and friends, and corres- 
ponding with various members of the corporation. Man- 
ning, as has already been observed, decided to resign his 
pastoral charge, which he did on the 2Gth of April, 1770, 
" to the wonderment," in the language of the church rec- 
ords, " of his people ; he being greatly admired and re- 
nowned." In May following he removed with his pupils 
and undergraduates to Providence. On taking up his 



1 On this subject tbc Rev. Morgan Edwards wrote him from Thiladclpliia as 
follows: " I cannot help being angry with you when you talk of another Presi- 
dent. Have you endured so much hardship in vain? We liave no man that will 
do so well as you. Talk no more, think no more of quitting the presidency, un- 
less you have a mind to join issue with those projectors and talkers who mean no 
more than to hinder anything from being done. If you go to Providence, the 
Warren people may have a supply; if they were willing to part with you, it is 
likely the college would have no reason to covet you.-''— Jlowland's Biographical 
Sketch of Manning. 



17G9-1770. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 119 

abode here, he occupied, says Howland, the old house of 
Benjamin Bowen, on the lot at the corner of Bowen and 
North Main Streets, where Mr. Richmond's brick house 
now stands. Mr. Howell and the students boarded in 
private families, at one dollar and a quarter per week. 
There they studied, and at certain hours of the day met 
in one of the chambers of the brick schoolhouse, now the 
house of the Meeting Street colored school, for prayers 
and recitations. These details, trifling though they may 
appear, nevertheless afford an insight into the condition 
and management of the college at this period, and a view 
of Manning's position, better than more formal statements. 
" Dr. Manning," says Goddard, whose chaste and expres- 
sive language we again quote, " now entered upon a thea- 
tre of enlarged and responsible action. The college was 
yet in its infancy, and demanded his parental supervision ; 
its funds were scanty, and needed to be recruited ; its 
actual system of discipline and instruction was imperfect, 
and required not only to be improved, but to be adapted 
to the new circumstances under which it was hereafter to 
be administered. To these important objects he devoted, 
himself, with patience and energy, and with that spirit of 
self-denial which is essential to the success of great enter- 
prises, and which great enterprises are apt to inspire. In 
the beneficent work of establishing, within the little Col- 
ony of Rhode Island, ' a public seminary for the educa- 
tion of youth in the vernacular and learned languages, and 
in the liberal arts and sciences,' he was aided by the effi- 
cient cooperation of the Rev. Messrs. Edwards, Smith, 
Stillman, Backus, Gano, and others of his clerical brethren. 
It is, however, perhaps not too much to say, that, but for 
the enlightened zeal and substantial liberality of a few 
Baptist laymen, citizens of Providence, the college would 



1-0 MANNING AND Chap. Ilf. 

have been slow in winning its way to general repute. 
These public-spirited men, though strangers themselves to 
the discipline of schools of learning, knew how to prize 
the benefits of high intellectual culture. Though self- 
educated, they were without a particle of hostility to the 
distinctions of learning, or of that affected contempt for 
learned men with which the uncultivated sometimes seek 
to console their deficiencies. Moved by a generous ardor, 
they determined that their children and the children of 
their contemporaries should enjoy, to the remotest gener- 
ations, opportunities for intellectual imi:>rovement denied 
to themselves. Well have they been repaid for their 
efforts in this good cause. Their activity and enterprise in 
the accumulation of wealth are now well-nigh forgotten; 
but still fresh is the memory of all their deeds in behalf of 
science and letters and religion." 

A part of Manning's plan was to secure by correspond- 
ence the cooperation and assistance of friends in England. 
In pursuance of this plan, he addressed a letter to the 
Rev. Dr. Samuel Stennett, for thirty-seven years the fiiith- 
ful and affectionate pastor of the Baptist church in Little 
Wild Street, London. Mr. Stennett was regarded as one 
of the most eminent ministers of his own denomination. 
His connections too with Protestant Dissenters generally, 
and with members of the Established Church, were large 
and respectable. One of his constant hearers was the 
philanthropist John Howard, whom Burke has so highly 
eulogized, George III., it is said, was on terms of inti- 
macy witli him, frequently calling at his house on Mus- 
well Hill. As a scholar and an author Mr. Stennett had 
no small repute. His Works, edited by the Rev. William 
Jones, were published in 1824, in three octavo volumes. 



1769-1770. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 121 

Providence, June 7, 1770. 
Reverend and Dear Sir : 

Although unknown to you, I take the freedom to trouble you with read- 
ing a letter from an unworthy friend. I was urged to this partly by the 
desire of our common friend, Mr. Henry Williams, mercliant of New 
York, and partly because I have often heard that you arc a lover of our 
nation, and are engaged to further the interests of the Baptist society ; as 
also that you may be informed of the state of our college, the interests of 
which I am told you have at heart. Of this the late very acceptable pre- 
sent of your two volumes of Sermons is an additional proof. I heartily 
Avish that your example may be followed by others of our friends who 
have written for the public. 

It was resolved, after long deliberation, to place the college edifice in 
the town of Providence in this colony, as most conducive to the ends of 
its institution. This, however, has been attended with considerable diffi- 
culty ; but I forbear to trouble you with the recital of our little affairs. The 
foundation of the college is noAv laid, and the building pi'oceeds faster 
than could have been expected, its magnitude considered, which is one 
hundred and fifty by forty-six feet, with a projection in the middle, of ten 
feet on each side, for the public rooms. It is to be four stories high, with 
an entry of twelve feet through the middle of each, and is to be built of 
brick. It will contain fifty -six rooms in all. The town of Providence it- 
self has nearly provided for the building, as they have raised by subscrip- 
tion near £4000, lawful money, at six shillings per dollar. The beneficence 
of a few Baptists in this place, their fortunes considered, is almost unparal- 
leled. I should rejoice to find many elsewhere like-minded. We should 
then see the college properly endowed, as well as founded. This we must 
expect from abroad. Added to the sum collected by Mr. Edwards in Eu- 
rope, our Brotlier Ilezekiah Smith, of Haverhill, has collected and obtained 
subscriptions in South Carolina and Georgia, from whence he has just 
returned, to the amount of about £500 sterling. 

It would be happy for us if we could find in England a family of PIol- 
lises^ to patronize our college; but I fear the Baptists arc not to expect 

^ Concerning the IloUis family, who for nearly a century coutinued their ben- 
efactions to Harvard College, we may here state in brief, what Tierce and 
Quincy have given at length in their histories of the University. Thomas Ilollis, 
the father of the "benefactor," was born in 1G34, and died in 1718. His son, 
called, by reason of his donations to Harvard, Thomas Hollis, 1st, died in 1731. 
A second son, Jsathaniel, died in 1738. A third son, John, was a partner in 
11 



122 MANNING AND Chai. llf. 

such an instance of public spirit in their favor, althougli I have heretofore 
indulged such hopes, and am yet unwilling- to give tliem up. 

Two young men have already engaged in the ministry who have been 
assisted by this institution, and both from their beginnings give promise of 
usefulness. Their first attempts have thus Air been highly acceptable to the 
public. May the Lord of tlie harvest thrust out many more faithful 
laborers. In this part of the world the field for labor is very large, while 
the faithful and well-furnished laborers arc truly few. To my great sat- 
isfaction, I lately received certain information of the conversion to Baptist 
principles of a young Presbyterian minister, eminent for his piety and 
success as a preacher. The manner in which this was, by Divine Provi- 
dence, brought about, is somewhat singular. He was preaching upon John 
xiv. 15, when truth was let into his mind with such vividness as com- 
pelled him to open the nature of the ordinance of baptism so clearly as to 
convince the church, of which he Avas pastor, that believer's baptism by 
immersion only is a divine institution. In consequence of this, they sent a 
messenger to me to come and administer the ordinance to both minister and 
people, the most of whom expect immediately to submit thereto. As they, 
however, are more than one hundred miles distant from me, and near Mr. 
Smith,! he has engaged to supply my place. I am also told that God is do- 
business with his brother Thomas. Tliomas Hollis, 2d, son of Nathaniel, died in 
1735. The total amouut of the benefactions of this family up to this date, " ex- 
ceeded," says Quincy, " £6000 currency of Massachusetts, which, considering 
the value of money at that period, and the disinterested spirit by which 
their charities were prompted, constitutes one of the most remarkable in- 
stances of continued benevolence U150U record." Thomas Ilollis, 3d, was born 
in 1720, and died in 1774. His donations to Harvard College during his lifetime 
exceeded £1400 sterling. Timothy Hollis died in 1791, at an advanced age. He 
gave £20 sterling for the library. Thomas Brand Hollis, the last of the bene- 
factors, was born 1719, and died in 1804. His Jlemoirs were published in 1808, in 
two handsome quarto volumes, by his friend the Rev. John Disney. 

1 Ilev. Ilezekiah Smith. In his diary, now among the archives of the Univer- 
sity, we find the following: " Wednesday, Jnncl^ih. Went to Deerfield, and 
preached from Acts xi.23: '• Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, 
was glad, and exhorted them all that with purpose of heart they would cleave 
unto the Lord." After the sermon I examined the Rev. Kliphalet Smith and a 
number of his hearers for baptism. Thursdnij, 14th, I preached in Mr. Smith's 
meeting-house from Col. ii. 11, 12. After sermon I baptized fourteen persons, 
whose names are as follows: Rev. Eliphalet Smith and his wife Nancy, Dea. 
Wadley Cram and his wife Elizabeth, Samuel Winslowand his wife Jane, James 
Philbrick and his wife Elizabeth, Jeremiah Present, Moses Clough, William Tir- 



1769-1770. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 123 

ing marvellous things in Virginia and North and South Carolina amongst 
the Baptists, bringing multitudes to submit to baptism according to Christ's 
instructions. And we are not quite forsaken in New England. In several 
towns on Cape Cod God is at work, although in general we have reason 
to cry, " Our leanness, our leanness ! " 

My situation in the centre of American intelligence, especially as I have 
travelled through, and have correspondents in, most of the principal towns, 
furnishes me with an opportunity of knowing almost everything interesting 
to the Baptists ; of whose affairs, should you be disposed to hear, you may 
depend upon receiving the best accounts I can collect, whenever you lay 
your commands in this way. However agreeable the like from you would 
be respecting affairs in Britain, yet, amidst your more important connec- 
tions and engagements, the utmost I presume to ask is your indulgence 
for interrupting you by this tedious epistle, and beg leave to subscribe. 
Dear sir, your most unworthy brother, 

James Manning. 
To this letter Dr. Stennett thus replies : — 

London, Aug. 10, 1770. 
Revekend and Dear Sir : 

I received your favor of June 7th, and take this opportunity of return- 
ing you my sincere thanks for it, and of assuring you that a correspond- 
ence with Mr. Manning, for whose character, before I received this ex- 
pression of his friendship, I had great respect, will afford me a particular 
pleasure. I write by Mr. Gordon,i a minister of the Independent persua- 
sion of this city, who intends settling in America. He is a very sensible 
and worthy man, and has ample recommendations with him. His po- 

rill, Hanuah Polsiper, Nancy Folsom, and Isaac Blasdel, of Chester, the rest of 
Deerfield, who the same day Avere embodied into a Baptist church. A good day 
it was, indeed. The goings of the Lord were very evident." Two days after- 
wards Mr. Smith baptized seven persons, one of whom was Dr. Samuel Shepard, 
who, in 1771, was ordained as pastor over the church at Stratham. Mr. Stillman, 
of Boston, preached the sermon, Mr. Smith gave the charge, and President Man- 
ning the right hand of fellowsliip. Dr. Shepard became a very active and highly 
honored minister of the Baptist denomination. A sketch of his life appears in 
Sprague'8 Annals of the American Pulpit. He was converted to Baptist senti- 
ments, it seems, by reading Norcott's work on Baptism. 

1 William Gordon, D.D. He settled in Koxbury, Mass., and afterwards wrote 
a history entitled " The Rise, Progress, and Establishment of the Independence 
of the United States of America," published in 1778, in four octavo volumes. 
For a more extended notice of Cordon, see page 387. 



124 MANNING AND Chap. III. 

litical speculations in favor of America, and some little misunderstanding 
with his people occasioned by his not knowing how conscientiously to bap- 
tize all the children of those wlio attended his ministry, have engaged him 
to leave us, and spend the remainder of his life with you. Where he shall 
settle I believe he has not himself determined, but I imagine somewhere 
about Philadelphia or Ni^w York. Should he take a tour your way, I 
have no doubt he will meet with a friendly and brotherly reception at Prov- 
idence. I was educated at the same academy with him, and have a great 
esteem and affection for him. Indeed, he is Avell known and esteemed by 
all denominations here. 

I am glad your college is in such forwardness, and that the design, 
which is truly important, meets with so much encouragement among our 
friends on your side of the water. The groundless prejudices which 
have a long time prevailed among many good people of our persuasion, 
will, I hope, in time subside ; and nothing will contribute so much to the 
removing of them as the zeal, good behavior, and, with the blessing of God, 
success of the first young persons you send out into the ministry. I look 
upon it as a vciy kind Providence that hath set you at the head of this 
college; and as I am sensible you must have many difficulties to contend 
with, so I heartily pray you may have strength according to your day. 
The success you have already met with is a circumstance which I doubt 
not affords you no small encouragement, and I liope you will still, my 
dear sir, meet with a great deal more. I shall rejoice to help forward 
your design in any way that I am able. But you are sensible we have 
not a great deal of wealth in our denomination, and few of the Baptists, 
as I hinted before, are very warm advocates for learning. Dr. Llewelyn 
is your very good friend, and I am persuaded would be glad of an acquaint- 
ance with Professor Manning. I spenk not from any intimation on his 
part, but from the particular knowledge I have of his character, and his 
good dispositions towards your plan. We have had a great loss in Mr. 
RofFey,! who died in April last, and through whose further good cfEces I 
hoped your college would have been considerably benefited. But God 
will, I hope, raise up friends. 

I cannot now be so particular as I wish, as I write in a Inirry. By tlic 

1 Mr. RofTcy, it a])pcars, was a bcnofacfor of Eliode Island Collopfo. From llie 
records we find that at a meetin;? ol" the corporation held at Newport, Nov. 16, 
1769, it was voted "That the thanks of thi.s corporation be transmitted to Mr. 
Samuel RofTey, for )iis j^encrous bcncfaclions to this institution, by the secre- 
tary." 



17G0-1770. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 120 

hand that conveys this I have written to Mr. Stilhnan, of Boston, whom I 
have, I. fear, wearied with a very long scrawl. I rejoice in the agreeable 
account you have favored me with, of the success of the gospel in many 
parts, and that the truth with respect to baptism prevails. May the 
knowledge of Christ and of his ways spread far and wide. We are not 
without some instances of the power and grace of God among us ; and I 
think the interest in many places revives. New associations of ministers 
and congregations are lately set up in the country where there were none 
before. 

As to Dr. Moore's scheme, he has met with considerable success, though 
as yet but little has been collected among the Baptists. I believe about 
£1000 is raised ; we have obtained also £1000 of the King. Trustees are 
appointed for the management of the moneys collected, among whom, of 
the Baptists, are Mr. Stead, Dr. Llewelyn, and myself, who consider our- 
selves as particularly obliged to look after the interests of our friends in 
Nova Scotia. 

As to political matters, my time will allow me to say but little now. The 
sovereignty of Parliament over all the British dominions seems to be the 
great object of Government ; and yet I believe they would be glad to have 
peace and harmony restored. I made use of tlie argument of policy, as 
well as of the goodness of the cause itself, in favor of the discussion in 
Nova Scotia, and it Avas duly attended to. I hope the discouragements 
the Baptists have lately met with in America are removed, and their 
grievances in some degree at least redressed. I am sure, however, it would 
be good polic}", to say no more of it, in the other denominations with you, 
to treat them well. And our friends, I hope, see the importance and rea- 
sonableness of taking every united step that our divine religion teaches, 
before they proceed further. But I must not run out any further at present. 

It will, I assure you, m}'- dear friend, afford me a very sensible pleasure 
to hear from you quickly, and often ; and you will oblige me much by 
favoring me with all the news you can. My sincere Christian regards to 
Mr. Ilezekiah Smith, for whose character I have a high esteem, and all 
inquiring friends. I am, dear sir, 

Your very aiFectionate friend and brother, 

Samuel Stennett. 

The Rev. Hezekiah Smith, to whose efforts in behalf of 
the college Manning in his letter refers, was desired by 
11* 



120 MANNING AND Chap. III. 

the corporation " to solicit benefactions for their use in the 
Southern provinces." He left home on his important mis- 
sion Oct. 2, 17G9, and returned June 8, 1770, having been 
absent from the people of his charge a little over eight 
months. He travelled extensively through South Caro- 
lina and Georgia, preaching as he had opportunity, and 
prosecuting with energy and zeal the work to which he 
had been appointed. His fervid piety, his eloquence, his 
commanding presence, and genial manners, gained him 
hearers, and rendered him everywhere a welcome guest. 
He succeeded in obtaining subscriptions to the amount of 
£3710 17s. 6d., South Carolina currency, of which, £2287 
5s. 7^d. he received, and remitted at sundry times to the 
treasurer of the corporation. His journal or diary, to- 
gether with his accounts, list of subscribers, etc., form a 
document of rare interest and value, in connection with 
the early history of the college. For his "great and gen- 
erous services " the corporation at their annual meeting, in 
September, returned him their " hearty thanks." 

The following letter from the Rev. Oliver Hart shows 
how Mr. Smith was received, and the manner in which he 
performed the duties of his mission : — 

Charleston, April 17, 1770. 
Dear Mr. Manning : 

As our good friend Mr. Smitli is now almost ready to embark for your 
Northern clime, I embrace the opportunity of sending you a few lines, 
which I hope you will accept as a superadded token of my unfeigned re- 
gard. I am sorry that Mr. Smith is obliged to leave us so soon. His 
labors have been acceptable to my people universally, and many others 
have constantly crowded to hear him. Some, I trust, have received ad- 
vantage by his faithful preaching. Two young men were to sec him last 
night under soul concern. May the good work be carried on in their 
hearts, and may we yet hear of many more being awakened to a sense of 
their lost state by nature. As to his endeavors to serve the college, they 



1769-1770. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 127 

have been indefatigable, and his success has been more than equal to what 
could have been expected, all things considered. I am sure he has mer- 
ited the grateful acknowledgments of the corporation. No man could 
have done more, and few would have done so much as he has, to serve the 
institution. He has met with much opposition, and bore many reflec- 
tions, but none of these things have discouraged him. I heartily wish 
the benefactions of this province may greatly promote the welfare of the 
college. Great grace be with you. 

I am, yours, etc. 

Oliver Hart. 

The first Commencement in Providence was held in 
the meeting-house of the society now known as the Be- 
neficent Congregational Society, on the west side of the 
river. In this house, then the largest in town, all subse- 
quent Commencements were held, until the completion of 
the new Baptist meeting-house in 177G. But four young 
men graduated at this time ; one of whom, Hon. Theodore 
Foster, represented Rhode Island for thirteen years in the 
Senate of the United States, and at his death left many 
fruits of antiquarian research connected with Rhode Island 
history. For the following account of this Commence- 
ment, we are again indebted to the Providence Gazette: — 

SECOND COMMENCEMENT. 1770. 

" Providence, Sept. 8. 
"On Wednesday was celebrated here the second Commencement in 
Rhode Island College. The parties concerned met at the courthouse, about 
ten o'clock, from whence they proceeded to the Rev. Joseph Snow's meet- 
ing-house, in the following order : First the grammar scholars ; then the 
under classes, the candidates for degrees, the Bachelors, the Trustees of the 
college, the Fellows, the Chancellor, the Governor of the Colony, and, 
lastly, the President. When they were seated, the President introduced 
the business of the day by prayer ; then followed the salutatory oration 
in Latin, by Mr. Dennis, and a forensic dispute, with which ended the 
exercises of the forenoon. 



1 28 M A N N I X G A X D Chap. III. 

" Those of the afternoon began with an intermediate oration on Catholi- 
cism, pronounced by Mr. Foster ; then followed a syllogistic disputation 
in Latin, wherein Mr. Foster was respondent, and Messieurs Nash, Read, 
and Dennis, opponents. After this, the degree of Bachelor of Arts was 
conferred on Messieurs John Dennis, Theodore Foster, Samuel Nash, and 
Seth Kead ; and the degree of JMaster on the Rev. Isaac Eaton, Messieurs 
William Bowen, Benjamin West, David "Williams, Joseph Brown, and 
Abel Evans ; also on the Rev. Messieurs Hugh Evans, Daniel Turner, 
Samuel James, Benjamin Beddome, Benjamin Wallin, John Reynolds, 
and Isaac Woodman. " To which succeeded a valedictory oration by Mr. 
Read, and then a charge to the graduates. 

" The business of the day being concluded, and before the assembly 
broke up, a piece from Homer was pronounced by Master Billy Edwards,^ 
one of the grammar school boys, not nine years old. This, as well as the 
other pciformances, gained applause from a polite and crowded audience, 
and afforded pleasure to the friends of the institution. But what greatly 
added to their satisfaction, was an opportunity of observing the forward- 
ness of the college edifice, the first stone of which was laid not longer 
since than the latter end of May last, and 'tis expected the roof will be 
on next month. It is a neat brick building, one hundred and fifty feet 
by forty-six, four stories high, with a projection in the middle of ten feet 
on each side, containing an area of sixty-three feet by thirty, for a hall 
and other public uses. The building will accommodate upwards of a 
hundred students. Its situation is exceedingly pleasant and healthy, being 
on the summit of a hill, the ascent easy and gradual, commanding an ex- 
tensive prospect of hills, dales, plains, woods, water, islands, etc. Who 
hath despised the day of small things ? " 

The following letter was originfilly published in Judge 
Stnples's Annals of Providence. It aflbrds a good illustra- 
tion of the early discipline of the college under the care 
and management of its first President. 

PROVIDENCE, Dec. 12, 1770. 
Sir: — You may think strange that I, a stranger to you, should ad- 
dress you by this epistle ; but you will excuse mo when I give the reason ; 
which is, an inlbrmatiou that I have received tliat one Scott, a youth 

1 Sou of the Ilcv. Alurgau Edwards. He graduated iu the Class of 1776. 



1769-1770. BROW X UNIVERSITY. 1 --) 

under my tuition, some time ago riding through Smithfield, iu company 
with one Dennis, of Newport, rode up to, and in a most audaciously 
wicked manner, broke the windows of the Friends' meeting-house in said 
town, of which meeting I understand you are clerk. Upon the first hear- 
ing of this scandalous conduct, I charged him with the fact, which he con- 
fessed, with no small degree of api)arent penitence ; whereupon I thought 
good to inform you, and by you the meeting, that they shall have ample rep- 
aration of damages, and such other satisfaction as they shall think proper ; 
being determined to punish with the utmost rigor all such perverse youth 
as may be intrusted to my care, as 1 hold such base conduct in the great- 
est detestation. 

You will be so good as to let me know when the first meeting of busi- 
ness is held, that I may send him up to appear before them, and make 
not only reparation, but such a confession before the meeting as shall be 
fully satisfactory. I choose to mortify him in this way, and should be very 
glad that some of the heads of the meeting would admonish him faithfully 
and show him the evil of such doings, if this would be agreeable to them ; 
but I speak this, not to direct them in the matter, but what would be 
agreeable to me. When this is settled, we shall discipline him with the 
highest punishment we inflict, next to banishment from the society, and 
with that if he does not comply with the above. 

The youth has been but few months under my care, is a child of a re- 
spectable family in Kingston, Massachusetts Bay, and had his school- 
learning at New Haven. I am sorry for his friends, and that it happened 
to fall to my lot to have such a thoughtless, vicious pupil ; but I am deter- 
mined this shall be the last enormity, one excepted, of which he shall be 
guilty while under my care. I hope the meeting will inform me how he 
complies with these injunctions, if they think proper to take these or any 
other methods. Please, by the first opportunity, favor me with a line in 
answer to the above requests, and you will do a favor to 

A real friend, 

James Manning. 

Mr. Thomas Lapham, Jr., in Smithfield. 

The young man, Judge Staples adds, appeared before 
the meeting, according to the direction of tlie President, 
made a suitable acknowledgment of what he had done, 
paid the damage done to the windows, received some 



1 30 M A X X I X G A X D Cn vr. III. 

wholesome admonition and advice, and returned to his 
college duties, it is to be hoped, a better man. Whether 
his associate was the Dennis who graduated the Septem- 
ber previous to this occurrence, we are not informed. It 
is certain that he was not a youth or person over whom 
Manning, at this time, had any special control. 

It would seem proper to introduce here some account of 
Backus, Stillman. and Smith, the three Baptist clergymen 
of New England, with whom Manning was intimately as- 
sociated, and to whose active cooperation in all his plans 
for the advancement of learning and religion, the denom- 
ination at the present day is so largely indebted for its 
prosperity and greatness. 

ISAAC BACKUS. 

The name of Backus, it will be observed, is of frequent 
occurrence throughout our work. The following brief 
sketch is compiled mainly from Prof. Hovey's Memoir, to 
which our readers are referred for a fuller account of his 
character and life. 

The Rev. Isaac Backus was born at Norwich, Conn., on 
the 9th of January, 1724. His parents were members of 
the Congregational church. At the age of seventeen, 
during the excitement that prevailed in consequence of 
the preaching of Whitefield, he received his first perma- 
nent religious impressions, and united witli the church. 
Subsequently he was led to devote himself to the preach- 
ing of the gospel. In 1749 the subject of baptism was 
agitated in the church of which he was the pastor, and 
several of his members became, in consequence, Baptists. 
Mr. Backus himself w;is soon afterwards baptized by im- 
mersion. On tlie IGlh of January, 1756, the First Baptist 



1769-1770. BROWN IT N I Y K R 8 I T Y. 131 

Church in Middleborough was constituted, and he became 
the pastor. This relation he retained until the close of 
life. 

In 1772 he was chosen agent for the Baptist churches 
in Massachusetts, in place of Mr. Davis, whose ill-health 
had compelled him to relinquish his charge as pastor of the 
Second Church in Boston. This agency, which was de- 
signed for the promotion of religious liberty, and espe- 
cially to secure to the Baptists an exemption from the bur- 
dens imposed upon them by law, he executed with great 
ability and success. In his labors in connection with this 
agency, he was greatly assisted by Manning, whose supe- 
rior learning and more skilful pen proved invaluable aids 
in times of emergency. 

Mr. Backus, besides his volumes of history, published nu- 
merous discourses, essays, treatises on religious liberty, and 
controversial tracts ; a list of which is given in the account 
of him in Sprague's Annals of the American Pulpit. He 
died on the 20th of November, 1806, in the eighty-third 
year of his age, and in the sixtieth of his ministry. 

"All New England," says the late Hon. Zechariah 
Eddy, "is indebted to Mr. Backus more, I think, than to 
any other man, for his researches in relation to our early 
ecclesiastical history. Mr. Bancroft bears the most honor- 
able testimony to his fidelity, and considers his history, as 
to its facts, more to be depended on than any other of the 
early histories of New England. ... In his own day, his 
labors were certainly appreciated. It is truly wonderful 
that, amidst the poverty and privations incident to the 
war of the Revolution, there could have been awakened 
interest enough to defray the expense of publishing large 
volumes, of history, at the high price which was then de- 
manded for such works. . . . Mr. Backus was of a large, ro- 



1 '>2 M A \ X I N G A N D Chat. TTI. 

bust, and muscular frame, uiade firm, prouahly, by Lis early 
agricultural labors, and by his travels on horseback the 
greater part of his life. His large fice and head appeared 
more venerable by reason of his very large wig — an adorn- 
ment of ministers in the times in which he lived." 

Mr. Backus, we may add in conclusion, was a Trustee 
of the college for a period of thirty-four years, resigning 
his place in 1799, in consequence of the infirmities of age, 
which prevented his attendance upon the meetings of the 
corj^oration. 

SAMUEL STILLMAN. 

To the success which the college had in the earlier pe- 
riods of its history, the Rev. Dr. Stillman, it may truly be 
said, was one of the principal contributors. His name ap- 
pears in the act of incorporation as one of the Trustees. 
In 1765 he was elected a Fellow, an office which he held 
until his death, a period of more than forty years. 

He was punctual in his attendance upon all the regular 
meetings of the corporation; and the great influence which 
he exerted throughout the Baptist denomination w^as cheer- 
fully given in aid of the various interests of the college. 
The following brief sketch of his character and life we 
have compiled from memoirs of him now extant. 

The Rev. Dr. Samuel Stillman w^as born in the city of 
Philadelphia, Feb. 27, 1737. At the age of eleven he re- 
moved with his parents to Charleston, S. C, where, under 
the direction of Mr. Rind, a teacher of some celebrity, he 
received the rudiments of his education. He early gave 
promise of intellectual and moral superiority. Having 
become the subject of religious impressions, under the 
preaching of the Rev. Oliver Hart, he was hopefully con- 



1769-1770 BROWN UNIVERSITY. 133 

verted, nnd was aiterwurds received into the church, upon a 
public profession of his faith by baptism. He pursued his 
cLassical studies in part at the Hopewell Academy, being 
one of the first beneficiaries of " The Religious Society," 
formed in 1755, for the purpose of aiding young men in 
preparing for the ministry. He also pursued his theologi- 
cal studies at Charleston, under the care of his pastor, Mr. 
Hart. On the 26th of February, 1751), at the age of twenty- 
two, he was ordained, in the city of his home, to the work 
of an evangelist. His first settlement in the ministry, 
which occurred shortly after his ordination, was at James 
Island, a beautiful place in the neighborhood of Charles- 
ton. About this time he married a Miss Morgan, daugh- 
ter of a highly respectable merchant, and sister of Dr. 
John Morgan, who was distinguished as a surgeon in the 
Revolution. This marriage proved to them both the 
source of long-continued happiness. She was the mother 
of fourteen children, only two of whom, however, survived 
their father. On the 9th of January, 1765, he was installed 
as pastor of the First Baptist Church in Boston. This was 
a little less than two months after Manning had been 
installed- as pastor of the church in Warren. Thencefor- 
ward these two distinguished men seem closely united in 
their eftbrts to bless the church, and to elevate the charac- 
ter and standing of the Baptist denomination. Dr. Still- 
man retained his connection with the First Church in Bos- 
ton until his death, which occurred on the loth of March, 
1807, at the age of seventy. 

Dr. Stillman's congregation at the time of his settle- 
ment was the smallest in town. He left it one of the 
largest and most respectable. As a popular preacher he 
had no superior in New England. Among his admirers 
were the elder President Adams, General Knox, and Gov- 
12 



^^'-^ M A N X I N G AND Chap. III. 

enior Hancock; the latter of wboiii was for a season a 
member of his congregation. No clergyman of the day- 
was so much, sought after by distinguished strangers who 
visited the metropolis. His services were often required 
on public occasions, and he rarely if ever flxiled to meet 
the highest expectations. " In his person," says the Rev. 
Dr. Jenks, "he was slender, and very small in size (weigh- 
ing less than one hundred pounds) ; agile in movement and 
erect in bearing ; in address polite, combining dignity with 
condescending kindness, so as to maintain rank with the 
most eminent, though affiible with the meanest. He was 
scrupulously neat in his dress, wearing, as in his painted 
and engraved portrait, a wig such as was in his day com- 
mon, wuth a gown and bands." A volume of his sermons 
was published in 1808, with a portrait, and a biographical 
sketch of the author. In Sprague's Annals of the Ameri- 
can Pulpit, Vol. VI., may be found a highly interesting 
sketch of Dr. Stillman, accompanied with letters or remi- 
niscences from James Loring, Esq., and the Rev. Dr. Wra. 
Jenks; also a fine engraved likeness. 

A view of the meeting-house in which Dr. Stillman 
preached may be found in Drake's History and Antiqui- 
ties of Boston. It was built in 1771, and dedicated on the 
22d of December of that year. Its dimensions were fifty- 
seven feet long by fifty-three feet wide. In 1791 the house 
was enlarged, this step having been rendered necessary by 
the great increase of the society. Its site having become 
valuable for stores and inconvenient for public worship, 
the place was sold in 1853, and the old building turned into 
shops for mart and trade. The proceeds of the sale have 
enabled the society to rear the most conspicuous spire in 
the city, upon the cast point of Beacon Hill, overlooking 
the State House even, and commanding a view of the city 



1769-1770. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 135 

and siuTouucling country, not surpassed, if equalled, by 
any other. " To such an eminence," says Drake, " has that 
church attained, whose foundation was obliged to be clan- 
destinely laid by its original founders. The present grand 
and lofty steeple will, it is hoped, long stand, not only an 
ornament to the city, but as a beacon for the intolerant." 
The following is a list of the ministers of this church as re- 
corded by Winchell and others : Thomas Gould, 1665-75 ; 
John Russell, 1675-80; John Miles, 1683; John Emblen, 
1684-99 ; Ellis Callender, 1708-18 ; Elisha Callender, 
1718-38; Jeremiah Condy, 1739-64; Samuel Stillraan, 
1765-1807 ; Joseph Clay, 1807-9; James M. Winchell, 
1813-20; Francis Wayland, 1821-26; Cyrus P. Gros- 
venor, 1827-30; William Hague, 1831-37; Rollin H.l!^eale, 
1837 . 



HEZEKIAH SMITH. 

The Rev. Dr. Hezekiah Smith, whose relations with 
Manning from early manhood down to the close of life 
were those of the closest intimacy, was born on Long Isl- 
and, New York, on the 21st of April, 1758. In his youth 
he became pious, and at the age of nineteen joined the 
Baptist church in New York City then under the pastoral 
care of the Rev. John Gano. He commenced his classical 
education at Hopewell, entered the College of New Jer- 
sey at Princeton, and graduated in the year 1762, in the 
same class with President Manning. After leaving college 
he travelled through the Southern provinces, in order to 
recover his health, which had become somewhat impaired 
by too close confinement to his studies. In a single year 
he made a tour of four thousand miles, and laid the foun- 
dations of lasting friendship with the Rev. Messrs. Hart, 



1 3G M iV N N I X G A N D Chap. III. 

Pelot, and others of .1 kindred spirit, whose intercourse 
and correspondence proved a deliglit to him in his riper 
years. At Charleston, S. C, lie was ordained by sev- 
eral ministers of the Charleston Association. The Baptist 
church in Haverhill, Mass., gathered through Mr. Smith's 
instrumentality, was organized on the 9th of May, 1765, 
and he was chosen the pastor. He was duly installed on 
the 12th of Nov., 17G6. The ministers who officiated 
upon this occasion were President Manning, Dr. Stillman, 
and the Rev. John Gano. The relations which Dr. Smith 
thus assumed he sustained during a period of forty years. 
Under his ministry the church soon acquired great influ- 
ence in the town, and indeed throughout all the surround- 
ing country. 

On Thursda}^, June 27, 1771, Dr. Smith, as w^e find it 
stated in his diary, was married to Miss Ilephzibah Kim- 
ball, of Boxford, Mass. This most estimable woman 
was a stranger to religion at the time of their mar- 
riage. Her husband's letters to her during his service in 
the army express the most affectionate yearnings for her 
spiritual welfare. She survived him many years, dying 
Dec. 9th, 1824. They had four children, namely, three sons 
and a daughter. 

In the year 1775, our struggle with the mother country 
commenced. The Baptists had always been the friends of 
civil and religious freedom, and at this critical period they 
were ready to pledge their fortunes and lives in the defence 
of their country. Their chaplains, as Washington him- 
self testifies, were among the most prominent and useful 
in the army. True to his patriotic principles, Dr. Smith, 
notwithstanding tlie tender ties binding him to his people 
and home, left Haverhill immediately upon the breaking 
out of hostilities, and joined the American army. Here, 



1769-1770. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 137 

as chaplain, he continued live years. He became, says his 
biographer, the intimate friend of Washington, and pos- 
sessed the confidence and esteem of the officers and men 
of the whole army. Repeatedly he exposed his life in bat- 
tle ; and he was always among the foremost in encouraging 
the soldiers, and in soothing the sorrows of the wounded 
and the dying. On all occasions he reproved vice, with a 
boldness of tone and manner Avhich, contrasting with his 
gentleness in the approval of virtue, awed the most hard- 
ened into respect and fear. 

After the clouds of war had been dispersed, I)r. Smith 
returned joyfully to his family and his parish, and to the 
sacred duties to wduich he had consecrated his life. In his 
work at home and in his missionary tours abroad his time 
was fully occupied, and the even tenor of life flowed on. 
He died Jan. 22, 1805, in the si.xty-eighth year of his age. 
An impressive discourse was preached at his funeral, by the 
Rev. Dr. Stillman, from Acts xiii. 36, which discourse was 
afterwards published. His ashes repose in the village 
graveyard at Haverhill, surrounded by the remains of his 
family and friends. 

Dr. Smith was a man of commanding presence, large 
and well proportioned, inspiring respect by his dignity, and 
winning affection by his affability and grace. His voice 
was one of unusual compass and power, and his genuine 
eloquence opened a way for his message. His views of 
truth were strictly evangelical, and his ministry combined, 
in due proportions, the doctrinal, the practical, and the ex- 
perimental. He never wrote his sermons, but uniformly 
wont into his study on Thursday morning, and devoted 
the residue of the. week to careful preparation for the du- 
ties of the Sabbath. As an illustration of his pastoral and 
missionary labors, it is stated in the journal to which we 
12* 



138 MANNING AND Chap. III. 

have already referred, tliat, from tlie time when he entered 
the ministry to Aug. 1, 1773, he baptized two hundred and 
ninety-four persons. 

The following amusing instance of persecution which 
occurred to him is mentioned by his biographer, Dr. S. F. 
Smith, as an illustration of the times in which he lived. 
The constable of a neighboring town, where Mr. Smith 
had gone to preach, a weak and inferior-looking person, 
was moved to go, clothed in the majesty of the law, and 
" warn him out of the place." The little officer, on com- 
ing into the presence of one of such commanding person, 
and bearing all the airs of a consummate gentleman, on 
such an errand w^as very naturally much confused, and, 
on opening his mouth to deliver his message, said, " I 
warn you — off of God's earth." " My good sir," said the 
preacher, " where shall I go ? " " Go anywhere," was the 
reply; "go to the Isle of Shoals." It maybe presumed, 
says the narrator, that the expounder of law was scarcely 
aware of the indignity done to the inhabitants of those 
seagirt rocks in placing their geographical position so far 
out of the ordinary track of navigators. 

Dr. Smith was one of the first Fellows of the college, 
retaining this position until his death, a period of nearly 
forty years. How zealously he labored, with Manning, to 
promote the welfare of the institution, these pages through- 
out abundantly show. He was conscientiously faithful in 
attending the annual Commencements, frequently preach- 
ing the sermon customary upon those occasions, and, on 
tlie ensuing Sabbatli, occuj)ying the pulpit of the Baptist 
cliurcli. His visits to Providence were hailed witli pleas- 
ure, esi)ecially by his friend ^Ir. Nicholas Brown, whose 
hospitalities he shared, and at wliose house he was a wel- 
come and frequent guest. The last meeting of the cor- 



1769-1770. P.ROWN UNIVERSITY. 139 

poration. which he ever attended was in September, 1804, 
only four months before his death.^ 

Among the papers and correspondence of Mr. Smith 
are numerous letters written by him to his wife during his 
service in the army. From these we present a few extracts, 
as an illustration of the spirit and patriotism of the man, 
and as a valuable contribution to the history of the war. 

Camp "Winter Hill, July 31, 177.5. 
My dear and loving Wife : 

Last night and this morning wc had several skirmishes with the regu- 
lars. Near the common, before you come to Chai-lestown "Neck, was one, 
in which our people killed one regular, and got four or five of their guns, 
without losing a man. The second was at Roxbury Neck, in which 
we lost none, although we took three of the regulars, besides those that 
were wounded. The third was at the Lighthouse, which the regulars 
and Tories were rebuilding, in which we lost one or two men, and had a 
small number wounded. Our forces killed their captain of the guard, 
and took about twenty-five regulars and eleven Tories prisoners, besides 
the wounded. The pilot who pilots vessels in and out of Boston harbor 
w^as one of them. Thirty-six men were brought into Cambridge just be- 
fore sunset, as I am informed. The Tories hang their heads. 

Camp Winter Hill, March 11, 1776. 
Since my last, the movements of the ministerial army give us reason to 
think they are about leaving Boston ; but in what direction they will go 
from thence is uncertain. We ex])ect they will aim for the Southern col- 
onies. If so, our army will soon move, and be ready to attack them where 
they land. The general order of to-day is, for all the army to get ready 
for a speedy remove. The field officers of the regiments I serve, as well 
as others, insist upon my going with them ; and, I must confess, the pros- 
pect of usefulness in the glorious cause of our country, joined svith that of 
usefulness to souls, inclines me to yield to their request. And since my 
people as a body have not manifested their disapprobation of my being in 
the army, during the present campaign, I think they cannot justly blame 
me in struggling with others for the salvation of America, especially the 

1 Sprague's Annals of the American Pulpit. 



1 -i MAN X I N G AND Chap. III. 

United Colonies in America. Your zeal for the cause, united with con- 
sideration, will, I doubt not, cause you to yield to the disagreeable parting 
for a few months. 

Camp Winter Hill, March 20, 1776. 
This day I was in Boston, where I saw a number of houses destroyed 
by the regulars ; but the damage in that town is not so great as I expected ; 
and what they left amounts to a large sum, which is a proof that they left 
the town in great fear, and with much precipitation. "We have no partic- 
ular orders about marching to the southward yet, but I am confident we 
shall be obliged to go before long. If so, you will not expect to see me 
at Haverhill very soon, as my liorse is low in flesh, and not so well fitted 
for a long journey as I could wish. You may well judge that so long an 
absence from home is equally disagreeable to me as to yt.u ; but as duty 
in the course of Providence requires it, we ought to be reconciled to it, 
and bear up under it with a becoming fortitude. Let us place our confi- 
dence in God, and take delight in him the Supreme Good. Then shall 
we be happy, and the time will not seem so tedious to us during my ab- 
sence I am sorry my good Deacon Shepherd discovered such a 

temper at my yielding to what I think is my duty. It will be the best for 
you not to say much about it ; and if you hear reflections cast upon me, 
not to resent them, but to let them pass. The least said is the best. 

Camp New Yokk, June 8, 1776. 
We have expected something would be done before now by the miuis- 
terial troops in this city ; but their exported army has not, I believe, yet 
arrived. Only a few vessels lay down at the Hook at present. Our men 
in general are healthy, and arc daily at Avovk in j)rcparing for the enemy. 
If the enemy should take New York, I am persuaded they will find great 
difficulty, and sustain great loss in the acquisition. We received in this 
city the good news of our privateers' ^uccess in taking three large vessels, 
wliosc valuable cargoes we have sent to New England. I hope they will 
arrive safe. The Congress has greatly increased the American army, so 
that, witli the blessing of God, I hope the ministerial army will be disap- 
pointed tiie present campaign. I long to see vital piety abound, and true 
godliness prevail ; then would I pronounce America blessed, and her 
sons and daughters free. 



17G9-1770. BROYvN UNIVERSITY. 141 

Camp New York, June 27, 1776. 
In ray last I informed you that tliere had been a plot formed in this 
city to destroy our generals and blow up the magazine, but that it had 
been providentially discovered. The Mayor of this city, amongst many 
others, is in confinement. I hope they will meet with their just reward. 
They are now under examination daily. The British fleet has not yet 
arrived. Our army is strong, and great preparations are making in this 

place for the enemy Things are very dear here. I gave ten coppers 

yesterday for about one pint of strawberries. One may readily spend the 
most of his wages in this place. Some do spend the whole of tlieir wages, 
I suppose, if not more. However, if we can but live and get the victory, it 
will be a favor ; when we die, we shall not want any of this world. 

Camp Stillwater, Aug. 5, 1777. 
We came to this place last Lord's Day evening ; but how long we shall 
tarry here I cannot say. Our State of Massachusetts Bay is shamefully 
deficient in the number of Continental troops. We have not one half our 
number here yet, and what will be the consequence I cainiot say. Hope 
kind Providence will excite our people to a more vigorous exertion than 
heretofore, and that a glorious event in favor of America will yet take 
place this present campaign. I am yet sanguine in my expectations, and 
trust the American army will be victorious. 

Ca3ip Stillwater, Sept. 13, 1777. 
We arc now on our march up the river to meet Mr. Burgoyne with his 
boasted strength. Expect soon to engage him, unless he should retreat. 
Our army is in good spirits. We have a good commander. Gen. Gates, and 
a large body of troops ; so that I don't doubt of success, unless we should 
put our trust in the arm of flesh, which is forever attended with a curse. 
With the blessing of Heaven, I expect our army will soon do something 
grand for the salvation of our country. 

Camp Stillwater, Oct. 3, 1777. 
Since the battle mentioned in a former letter, we have either taken 
prisoners, or had deserters come in from the enemy almost every day. I 
have expected a general engagement before now, but when it will take 
place I know not. From the best information we understand that the 
enemy's provisions grow short. 



1 42 MANNING AND Chap. III. 

Camp Albany, Oct. 22, 1777. 
Although I sent you a letter since our total conquest of Gen.Burgoyne's 
army, in which I enclosed the articles of capitulation, yet I am loth to 
miss this opportunity by Mr. Chadwick to let you know that I am in a 
good state of health, ready to serve my country in the reduction of our 
enemies to the southward, if Gen. "Washington should stand in need. 
We have no very late intelligence from him ; but the last we had was fa- 
vorable, and we daily expect to hear of a general battle. Hope the Lord 
will give success to our arms. The following is a list of the taken, killed, 
etc., of Gen. Burgoyne's army : — 

British troops by capitulation, 2442 

Foreigners, 2198 

Prisoners sent to Canada, 1100 

Staff, 12 

Sick and wounded, 528 

Prisoners of war, 300 

Deserters, 400 

Took at Bennington, . ' 1220 

Killed between Sept. 18th and Oct. 8th, 600 

Taken at Ticonderoga, 413 

Total, 9213 

The number of killed and taken at Fort Stanwick I cannot ascertain. 
Gen. Burgoyne and three other officers taken were members of the British 
Parliament. 

Camp Coktinextal Village, July 14, 1780. 
There are great preparations making to do something capital this cam- 
paign, and it is my opinion that a vigorous exertion will be made for New 
York, in which enterprise I expect many will lose their lives. Oh that 
they may be prepared by grace for such an event ! I have reason to 
think that my poor endeavors have been blessed to the awakening of sev- 
eral persons in Peekskill since my arrival. Oh that conviction might 
terminate in conversion ! Next Lord's Day I expect to preach to my 
brigade for the first time .since I joined them this season ; for I found the 
brigade so scattered, and taken up with guards, etc., that the brigade 
major said that lie could not turn any out for j)ublic exercise, nor even 
furnish men to relieve the guards. But now the recruits have joined us 
we are able to have religious worship in camp again ; and I pray that my 
preaching may bo attended with power. 



1769-1770. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 143 

The. present seenis n fitting place to make special men- 
tion of the Browns, whose names so frequently occur 
throughout these pages. They were Manning's intimate 
friends. To their vigorous and united efforts the college 
is largely indebted for its early prosperity and growth, if 
not for its very existence. Their ancestors were among 
the founders and prominent members both of the colony 
and of the Baptist church. Their descendants, in pious 
emulation of their fithers, have nobly contributed of their 
abundant wealth to the present resources of the institution, 
— its spacious grounds, its buildings, its library and ap- 
paratus, and its endowments and funds, — and Brown Uni- 
versity will transmit, to the latest posterity the many vir- 
tues and generous deeds of the family whose honored name 
it bears. 

I. CHAD BROWN. 

Concerning the remote ancestry of the Brown family in 
Rhode Island, but little is now known. That they are the 
descendants of some one of the hundred and fifty-five fam- 
ilies bearing that name in England, Ireland, and Scotland, 
whose escutcheons, or armorial bearings, are described in 
Burke's Encyclopaedia of Heraldry, is at least probable. 
The Rev. Chad Brown (or Browne, as the name was at 
first written) came over from England, according to Savage, 
in his recent edition of Winthrop's History of Nevv Eng- 
land, in the ship Martin, during the month of July, 1638.^ 

* " Two ships," says "Winthrop, " which came over this year (1638), inuch;;es- 
tered, lost many passengers and some principal men." lu a note upon this pas- 
sage. Savage, after speaking of the Nicholas of London as one of the pestered 
ships, remarks as follows: " Another of the 2>estered ships probably was the 
Martin, coming nearly at the same time with the Nicholas. I know, at least, 
that the nuncupative will of Sylvester Baldwin, one of her passengers, who died 
on the ocean, was proved July 13th, of this year, by Chad Brown, and other fel- 



144 MANNING AND Chap. III. 

Winthrop states that " there came over this summer 
twenty ships, and at least tliree thousand persons, so as 
they were forced to look out new plantations." It was 
during this period, also, that many of the inhabitants of 
Boston, " and others Avho were of Mrs. Hutchinson's judg- 
ment and party, removed to the Isle of Aquiday (Rhode 
Island) ; and others who were of the rigid separation, and 
savored anabaptism, removed to Providence, so as those 
parts began to be well peopled." In this latter class, thus 
described by Winthrop, may be included Chad Brown ; 
who, with his wife Elizabeth and his little family, at once 
sought a permanent home in the land which had afforded 
a friendly shelter to Roger Williams and his companions. 
The precise date of his arrival at Providence cannot now 
be ascertained, as the early records of the town were 
loosely kept, and many of them were afterwards destroyed 
during the so-called King Philip's War. From the doc- 
uments that have come down to us, it is evident that he 
soon exercised an important influence, as a leading man 
in the colony. The first written or civil compact of which 

low-passengers, before Deputy Governor Dudley. Ilis wife and children are 
named." It has been asserted that Chad Brown was " one of that little company 
who fled with Roger Williams from the persecution of the then Colony of Massa- 
chusetts." The epitaph on his tombstone, erected by the town of Trovidence, 
three quarters of a century ago, states that he was " exiled from Jlassachusetts 
for conscience sake." Prof. GammcU, in his Memoir of Nicholas Brown, says 
that he arrived at Providence in the year 1G3G, a few months after the arrival of 
Roger Williams. Dr. Hague, in his liistorical discourse delivered at the second 
centennial anniversary of the First Baptist Church, makes a similar assertion. 
Among the papers of the late Moses Brown, we find it stated that he came from 
Salem, Mass., in the year 1G37. Edwards, Backus, and Benedict are equally 
confused in their brief notices respecting the early history of the great ancestor 
ofMie family from which the college derives its name. Mr. Savage, iu his re- 
marks as above quoted, proves conclusively that Chad Brown came to Provi- 
dence in 1038, more than two years after the arrival of Roger Williams and his 
five companions. For a further illustration of this point, see Savage-s Genea- 
logical Dictionary of New I'Ingland, Vol. I. p. 265. 



1769-1770. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 145 

we have any knowledge has his signature, with that of 
twelve others. A full account of this compact, which was 
probably entered into soon after Mr. Brown's arrival, may 
be found in Staples's Annals of Providence. 

On the 8th of October, 1638, Roger Williams executed 
a deed, known as the " initial deed," granting to twelve 
of his companions an equal share with himself of the lands 
which he had purchased from the Indians. These, there- 
fore, including the grantor, constituted the original thirteen 
proprietors of Providence. Soon after the execution of 
this deed, the proprietors divided the lands thus obtained 
into two parts, — one called " the grand purchase of Prov- 
idence," the other "the Pawtuxet purchase." Great dis- 
sensions and difficulties grew out of this division, in al- 
lusion to which Roger Williams, in his plea before the 
Court of the Kew England Colonies, in Providence, in the 
year 1677, gives the following brief but comprehensive 
view of Mr. Brown's character and personal influence : 
" The truth is, Chad Browne, that wise and godly soul 
(now with God), with myself, brought the remaining 
aftercomers and the first twelve to a oneness by arbitra- 
tion." In the first of the aforementioned divisions, " the 
grand purchase," are recorded in a small book, among the 
files of the city clerk's office, the names of fifty-four per- 
sons as the owners of "home-lots," as they were called, 
extending from the " town street " (now North and South 
Main Streets) eastward to Hope Street. Among the 
names thus recorded is that of Chad Brown. In addition 
to these lots, each person had a six-acre lot assigned to 
him in other parts of the purchase ; some on the banks of 
the Seekonk, where Roger Williams's out-lot was located, 
and some on the Wanasquatucket river. We are thus 
particular in these details, because the college, as we have 
13 



146 MANNING AND Chap. Iir. 

already seen, was located upon a portion of the home-lot 
of Chad Brown. 

In 1640 Mr. Brown was appointed a committee, with 
Robert Cole, William Harris, and John Warner, to draw 
up a plan of agreement for the peace and government of 
the town ; the growth of the colony having rendered the 
purely democratic government, adopted at the first, im- 
practicable. To this plan, consisting of twelve articles of 
agreement, his name is the first signed, followed by the 
signatures of thirty-eight others. It went into immediate 
operation, and for several years constituted the only ac- 
knowledged government of the town. In 1643 he was 
employed, with three others, in making peace between the 
people of Warwick and the Massachusetts Government. 
The whole of this afiair, Avliich forms a painful chapter in 
our early New England annals, is told at length by the prin- 
cipal actor, Samuel Gorton, in his " Simplicity's Defence," 
which, with Staples's notes, may be found in the second 
volume of the publications of the Rhode Island Historical 
Society. In addition to his various public duties, he was 
also a surveyor of land, and thus rendered important servi- 
ces to the town. In 1660, as appears by the records, he 
was appointed, with John Throckmorton and Gregory 
Dexter, to compile a list of the first town lots, from Mile- 
end Cove, north of Fox Point, to Olney's Lane, and note 
the several divisions and grants of land made previous to 
that date. This list or record, much worn and defaced, is 
now on file at the clerk's ofiice. 

But it is as a minister of religion, as the " first elder " 
of the oldest Baptist church in America, that Chad Brown 
claims our especial attention. It is true that the distin- 
guished honor of founding this church belongs to Roger 
Williams ; who, having been baptized by Ezekiel Holliraan, 



1769-1770. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 147 

"a man of gifts and piety," baptized the administrator and 
ten others, in the month of March, 1639. But in a few 
months, says Scott,^ a contemporary with Williams, and one 
of the thirteen original proprietors of the soil, " he broke 
from the society, and declared at large the grounds and 
reason of it, — that their baptism could not be right, because 
it was not administered by an apostle." He became what, 
in the history of New England, is denominated a Seeker ; 
a term, says Prof. Gammell, not inaptly applied to those 
who, in any age of the church, become dissatisfied with 
its prevailing creeds and institutions, and seek for more 
congenial views of truth, or a faith better adapted to their 
spiritual wants. Those writers who desire to place Roger 
Williams at the head of the Baptist ministers of America, 
do not sufficiently regard the facts as recorded in history. 
He indeed was instrumental in planting and establishing 
the Baptist denomination in this country; but his true 
glory and greatness consist, not in his vocation as a Baptist 
preacher, but in his wisdom and benevolence as a legis- 
lator, in founding, says a distinguished German statesman 
and scholar,^ "in 1636, a small new society in Rhode Isl- 
and, upon the principles of entire liberty of conscience, 
and the uncontrolled power of the majority in secular 
concerns," — principles, the same author continues, which 
have not only maintained themselves here, but have 
spread over the whole Union, superseding the aristocratic 
commencements of Carolina and of New York, the High- 

1 Eichard Scott. See bis letter respecting Roger Williams in Fox's " New 
Enj^Iand Fire Brand Quenched," Part II., p. 247. He came to Providence in 
1638. He was at first a Baptist, but afterwards became a Quaker. One of bis 
descendants was married to Judge Jcnckes, and thus became the grandmother 
of the late Hon. Nicholas Brown. 

2 Professor Gervinus. See his recent " Introduction to the History of the 
Nineteenth Century." 



148 MANNING AND Chap. III. 

Church party in Virgiuia, the theocracy in Massachusetts, 
and the monarchy throughout America; which have given 
laws to one quarter of tlie globe, and which stand in the 
background of every democratic struggle in Europe. 

In the year 1G42, Mr. Williams was appointed by the 
colonists to visit England for the purpose of procuring a 
charter; when Mr. Brown, having been formally ordained, 
assumed the j^astoral office. Associated with him were 
the Rev. Messrs. Thomas Olney, William Wickendcn, and 
Gregory Dexter. The terms of their ministry, and the 
nature of their relations to Mr. Brown, are not definitely 
known. It is certain that for more than half a century 
they had no meeting-house, the church being accustomed 
to assemble in a grove or orchard for public worship, and, 
when the weather would not permit this, in private houses. 
In those jDrimitive times the ministers, or ciders as they 
were more commonly called, doubtless exercised their gifts 
after the manner of laymen in our modern conference 
meetings. This they called prophesying. Mr. Wickenden, 
who, during the latter part of his life, resided at a place 
out of town which he called Solitary Hill., is said to have 
been ordained by Mr. Brown. Mr. Dexter was formerly 
a printer in London, in company with one Coleman. He 
came to Providence in the year 1G13, and was at once re- 
ceived into the church, having been before his arrival both 
a Baptist and a preacher. He was not, however, according 
to Edwards, chosen to be their minister, until Mr. Wick- 
enden's removal to his new residence rendered this step 
in a measure necessary. Mr. Olney, according to Savage, 
came from Salem, Mass., from which place he was banished 
in the year IG08. lie was one of tlie original members of 
the church, having been baptized by Roger Williams at 
the time when it was constituted. 



1769-1770. BROAVN UNIVERSITY. 149 

During Mr. Brown's ministry there appears to have 
originated a controversy, which was long agitated in the 
town, and throughout the colony. It had reference to the 
"laying on of hands " mentioned in Hebrews vi. 1, 2, — 
a doctrine which prevailed in the Baptist churches for 
more than a century. The principal leaders in this con- 
troversy were Wickenden and Olney, both of whom fa- 
vored giving up the doctrine altogether. Indeed, the latter, 
not succeeding in carrying his point, withdrew, with a few 
others, from the fellowship of the church, and formed a 
new one called the " Five-principle Baptist." This last, 
says Callender, continued till about the year 1718, when, 
becoming destitute of an elder, the members were united 
with other churches. It is more than probable that Wick- 
enden's removal from town was owing, in part, to the un- 
pleasant relations growing out of this controversy. 

Unmoved by the arguments of " Seekers " or " Sepa- 
ratists," Mr. Brown maintained his standing firmly in a 
church which he believed to be founded on the rock of 
eternal truth, even " the word of God, which abideth for- 
ever." The duties of his high calling he continued to dis- 
charge, with greater or less regularity, until his decease, 
which occurred about the year 16G5. His death was 
regarded by the colonists as a public calamity ; for he had 
been the successful arbitrator of many differences, and had 
won the not unenviable reputation of being a "peace- 
maker." His other services, too, for the public good, had 
been numerous, and scattered over more than a quarter 
of a century. His remains were interred in a part of his 
original " home-lot," lying on College Street, just west of 
the old town house, whence, in 1792, they were removed 
to the family lot in the North Burying-ground. A plain, 
13* 



150 MANNING AND Chap. III. 

simple stone, erected by the town of Providence to his 
memory, indicates his final resting-place. 

Mr. Brown left five sons ; namely, John, who married a 
Hojmes ; Judah, alias Chad, who died childless ; James, 
who removed to Newport, about the year 1672 ; Jeremiah, 
who also settled in Newport ; and Daniel, who married a 
Herenden. 

'• We may easily suppose," says Prof. Knowlcs, " tl)at as Mr. Wil- 
liams's connection with the church was very short, Mr. Brown was con- 
sidered as the first pastor, even by his contemporaries, and that this 
impression was transmitted to their descendants. It was not unnatural, 
moreover, for the church to be willing to recognize ]\Ir. Brown as the 
first pastor, rather than a man who soon left them, and Avho refused to 
acknowledge them, or any otlicr body of men, to be a true church. It is 
possible that other causes had some influence in the case. It is certain, 
however, that Mr. Brown has been general]}' believed to have been the 
first pastor of the church. He was, unquestionably, the first regular and 
permanent pastor, and may be regarded as one of the chief founders. It 
is not probable that he contended for the honor while ho lived ; and we 
may be sure that there was no strife on this point between him and 
Roger Williams, who speaks of him in one of his letters as ' that noble 
spirit now with God,' and, on another occasion, as ' that holy man.* " 

In a letter to Prof. Knowles, by the late John Rowland, 
Esq., the author says : — 

" The college was built in 1770. On the question among the founders 
of it, on what lot to place the building, they decided on the present site of 
the old college, because it was the home-lot of Chad Brown, the first min- 
ister of the Baptist church. Other land could have been obtained, but the 
reason given prevailed in fixing the site. Had the impression been prev- 
alent that Roger Williams was the first minister or principal founder of 
the society, his home-lot could have been purchased, which was a situation 
fully as eligible for the purpose. If any doubts rested in the minds of the 
gentlemen at that time as to the validity of the claim of Chad Brown to 
this preference, perhaps the circumstance of Mr. Williams deserting the 
order, and protesting against it, might have produced the determination 
in favor of Brown." 



1769-1770. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 151 

II. JOHN BROAVN. 

John, the eldest son of Chad, was born in England, in 
the year 1630, being eight years of age at the time of his 
arrival in Boston. His mother's name was Elizabeth ; but 
her maiden name we have not been able to ascertain. He 
married Mary, daughter of the Rev. Obadiah Holmes, of 
Newport. Mr. Holmes was the successor of the Rev. John 
Clark, M. D., the distinguished founder of Newport Col- 
ony. He was a native of England, and was educated, says 
Ross, at Oxford University. Formerly he was settled in 
Rehoboth, Mass. He is noted in history as the first martyr 
to Baptist principles in New England, having been appre- 
hended in Massachusetts, in company with John Clark, and 
cruelly whipped " for conscience sake." Concerning Mr. 
Brown's life, but few memorials have come down to us. 
He appears to have been a man of influence in the colony, 
and to have inherited in a measure the character and spirit 
of his father. We first find his name on record in a docu- 
ment dated Jan. 19, 1646, which reads as follows : — 

"We, whose names are hereafter subscribed, having obtained a free 
grant of twenty-five acres of land, apiece, with the right of commoning 
according to the said proportion of lands, from the free inhabitants of this 
town of Providence, do thankfully accept of the same ; and do hereby 
promise to yield active or passive obedience to the authority of ( King and 
Parliament) established in this colony, according to our charter, and to all 
•such wholesome laws and orders, that are or shall be made by the major 
consent of the town of Providence, as also, not to claim any right to the 
purchase of the said plantations, nor any privilege of vote in town affairs, 
until we shall be received as freemen of the said town of Providence." 

This document has the signature of John Brown, fol- 
lowed by twenty-seven other signatures, including that 
of his brother Daniel. A few years after this transaction, 



152 MANNING AND Chap. III. 

commenced the most trying period in the early history of 
Rhode Island. In consequence of the ambition of Gov. 
Coddington, the local jealousies of the towns, and there- 
fractory disposition of individuals, a spirit of disunion and 
misrule sprang up, which continued several years, and had 
well-nigh proved fatal to the peace of the colony. A happy 
settlement of all difficulties was at length effected by a full 
court of commissioners, six from each town, which assem- 
\Aed at Warwick on the 31st of August, 1654. One of the 
commissioners from Providence was John Brown, who 
was then twenty-four years of age. In the year 1G62 he 
was appointed, with Roger Williams and Thomas Harris, 
Jr., to make up the town council. Mr. Backus, in his 
Church History, further adds that he was a minister in the 
church. These records, scanty as they are, give all the 
information that can be obtained respecting his character 
and life. At what time he died is not known. In the 
year 1667, we find his name as a witness to the signa- 
ture of Roger Williams to the " initial deed," so called, 
wliicli Williams originally granted on the 8th of October, 
1638. He left five children ; namely, John, born March 18, 
1662 ; James, Obadiah, Martha, and Deborah. Martha was 
married to Gov. Joseph Jenckes, " of happy memory," who 
was therefore the brother-in-law of Elder James Brown, 
and not a son-in-law, as erroneously stated by Dr. Benedict 
in his History of the Baptists. 

III. .T A:\rEs nuoWiX. 

James, tlic second son of John, was born in Providence, 
in the year 1666. He married Mary, daughter of Andrew, 
and grand-daughter of William Harris, one of the first five 
who came to Providence in June, 1636, in company with 
Roger Williams. Of him but little is known, save as 



1769-1770. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 153 

pastor or elder of the Baptist church. He was a colleague 
of the Rev. Pardon Tillinghast, and his successor in the 
j^astoral office ; but the time of his ordination does not ap- 
pear on record. Associated with him in this work was the 
Rev. Ebenezer Jenckes, who was ordained in 1719, soon 
after Mr. Tillinghast's death. During Mr. Brown's minis- 
try, an event occurred which exhibits his character in a 
pleasing light. It was in relation to the doctrine of the 
imposition of hands, about which, in former years, there 
had been so much controversy, and which, during the min- 
istry of his grandfather, Chad Brown, had divided and 
nearly rent asunder the church. It seems that a revival 
of religion was in progress at Newport, and Mr. Walton, 
a young minister of liberal education, had been invited to 
preach in Providence, with the hope of promoting one 
here also. He accepted the invitation, at the same time 
freely expressing his willingness to practise the laying on 
of hands, but not as a divine ordinance, necessary to church 
fellowship. Mr. Windsor, then a deacon of the church, 
was the leader of a party tliat urged the imposition of 
hands as a term or prerequisite of church communion. 
Gov. Jenckes, who was the leading member of the church, 
was then residing at Newport. lie wrote to his pastor, 
Mr. Brown, on the subject, confirming Mr. Walton's view, 
that laying on of hands "should be no bar to communion 
with those who have been rightly baptized ; " and saying 
that he had been informed by ancient members of the 
church that such had been the opinion of Baptists through- 
out the colony from the earliest times. This interesting 
letter of Gov. Jenckes, which is dated March 19, 1730, is 
published in the second volume of Backus's Church History 
of New England. Mr. Brown perfectly accorded with 
these views ; for although himself a " Six-principle Bap- 



154 



MANNING AND 



Chap. III. 



tist," holding and allowing with many of his brethren 
"the six principles in Heb. vi. 1, 2, to be the doctrine of 
Christ and the bounds of church communion," he never- 
theless strongly remonstrated with Mr. Windsor and his 
friends against this rigid innovation. So flir as the case 
admitted, he thus evinced a liberal and catholic spirit, 
eminently befitting a Christian teacher. The result was 
the following agreement, or compromise, which we here 
present, as an illustration of Mr. Brown's views and of the 
spirit of the times : — 

May 25th, 1732, "Whereas there was a meeting appointed by some 
of the Baptist church of Providence, this present day, at Elder James 
Brown's, the few of us tliat have met together to reconcile this woful 
breacli or division that has happened of late about the bounds of our 
communion, we think it needful to bear each others' burdens, and so fulfil 
the law of Christ. The difference between us is this, that some of us have 
borne with larger communion than others. We shall endeavor, by the 
help of God, not to offend our brethren in this thing, nor any thing 
whereby it shall offend their consciences, but shall endeavor to be a build- 
ing up of peace and tranquillity within the spiritual walls of Jerusalem. 
"Wc do all further agree, that there be no contradictions, but that wc may 
all speak the same things ; for as we all agree and allow the six principles 
in Ileb. vi. 1 , 2, to be the doctrine of Christ, and to be the bonds of our 
communion, so we ought to be of one body, and not tearing one another 
to pieces. We further agree, that if any brother or sister shall join in 
prayer without the bounds of the church, they are liable to be dealt with 
by the church for their offending their brethren. 



Samuel Fisk, 
Joshua Windsok, 
Eldek Placr, 
Thomas Burlingamb, Jr. 
James Kino, 
John Dexti.r, 
John Dextkr, Jr., 
Jonathan Jexckes, 
Nicholas Sheldon, 
BEN.rAMiN Carpenter, 
Kdwakd Fexneu, 
Edward Mitchel, 



Edward Wanton, 
James Brov.n, 
Samuel Windsor, 
Thomas Olney, 
James Broavn, Jr., 
JosEi'H Sheldon, 
Erenezer Jenckes, 
Elisha Greene, 
Daniel Sheldon, 
JosEr>r Williams, Jr. 
Damll Sweet, 
Daniel Fisk. 



1709-1770. BIJOWN UNIVERSITY. 155 

Mr: Brown died on the 28th of October, 1732, in the 
sixty-sixth year of his age. He was, says Edwards, " an 
example of piety and meekness worthy of admiration." He 
bad ten children ; namely, John, James, Joseph Martha, 
Andrew, Mary, Obadiah, Jeremiah, Elisha, and Anna. 
John died in 1716, childless. The rest married into the 
Power, Field, Green, Knowlton, Harris, Comstock, Rhodes, 
Smith, and Barker families. 



IV. JAMES BROWN. 

James, the second son of the preceding, was born March 
22, 1698. Very few memorials of his early life and sub- 
sequent career have been preserved. He engaged in 
active business, and became a successful merchant of 
Providence, thus laying the foundations of the wealth and 
prosperity of his descendants. During the year 1723 he 
married Hope, daughter of Col. Nicholas Power, and 
grand-daughter of the Rev. Pardon Tillinghast, one of 
the early pastors of the Baptist church. Mr. Tillinghast 
who came over from England in 1645, is said to have 
been a soldier under Cromwell. He built, at his own ex- 
pense, the first meeting-house ever occupied by the church; 
a deed of which, and of the lot on which it stood, he exe- 
cuted to them and their successors in the year 1711. With 
the beloved wife of his choice he lived most happily until 
his death, which occurred on the 27th of April, 1739, in 
the forty-first year of his age. She survived him many 
years, dying June 8th, 1792, at tlie advanced age of ninety. 
Both she and her husband were worthy members of the 
church, and patterns of exemplary piety. Slio was re- 
markably amiable in her temper, and brought up her boys 
well ; a proof, says one, of strength of character and mind, 



156 MANNING AND Chap. III. 

which few widowed mothers possess. They had live sons, 
and a daughter Mary. James, the eldest son, became mas- 
ter of a vessel. He died at York, Va., on the 15th of Feb- 
ruary, 1750, at the age of twenty-six. The daughter was 
married to Dr. David Vanderlight, a German, who prac- 
tised medicine in Providence until his death, which oc- 
curred on the 14th of February, 1755, while in his thirtieth 
year. She survived him long, dying on the 6th of May, 
1795. The remaining sons, Nicholas, Joseph, John, and 
Moses, familiarly known in Providence annals as the " Four 
Brothers," will form subjects for more extended sketches. 

V.^ NICHOLAS BROWN. 

Nicholas, the oldest of the " Four Brothers," was born in 
Providence, on the 28th of July, 1729. At the age of ten he 
was deprived of a father's care, and in a measure thrown 
upon himself, as the senior representative of the flimily. 
To the good counsels and judicious training of his excel- 
lent mother, for whom he ever cherished a profound re- 
gard, he was, doubtless, indebted for many of those traits 
of character which rendered his life illustrious. At an 
early age he gave proofs of the singular goodness of his 
heart and of the benevolence of his disposition. Upon 
coming to man's estate, immediately after the death of his 
brother James, he could, as the eldest son, have inherited 
a double portion of his father's property, in accordance 
with existing colonial laws. Setting aside, however, all 
legal rights, and following only his generous impulses, he 
promptly divided with his brothers and his sister Mary so 
much of the paternal estate as fell to their lot. So auspi- 
cious a beginning of his career in life could hardly fail of a 
happy and successful termination. He at once engaged in 



1769-1770. BROWN UNIVERSITY. lo7 

mercantile business, and thereby acquired a very ample 
fortune. His success in trade was truly remarkable ; but 
not more so than were his diligence and punctuality, — 
traits of character for which his descendants have ever 
been distinguished. 

On the 2d of May, 1762, at the age of thirty-three, he 
married Rhoda Jenckes, fifth daughter of Judge Daniel 
Jenckes, whose name appears prominent in the history of 
the college charter. Her mother was Joanna Scott, a de- 
scendant of Richard Scott, one of the original proprietors 
of the colony, and an early member of the Baptist church. 
This union proved a source of great domestic felicity. 
They were blest with a numerous offspring; but of ten 
children, only two survived them ; namely, Hon. Nich- 
olas Brown, from whom the University derives its name, 
and the late Mrs. Hope Ives, wife of Thomas Poynton 
Ives, Esq. After more than twenty-one years of happy 
married life, this most excellent lady, whose special de- 
light it was to aid her husband in his deeds of charity, 
and to cheer the gloomy mansions of poverty and pain, 
was taken from him. She died on the 16th of December, 
1783, in the full assurance of a blessed immortality. Dur- 
ing all her sickness she manifested a pious resignation to 
the divine will. For many days previous to her death she 
had expressed a desire to " depart and be with Christ ; " 
and in this delightful frame of mind she continued, pa- 
tiently waiting the summons for her to " come up higher." 

On the 9th of September, 1785, Mr. Brown married for 
his second wife. Avis, daughter of Capt. Barnabas Binney, 
of Boston. She was a woman of superior worth, and was 
well versed in books and useful learning. Happy in her 
society, and in the esteem and good-will of his fellow-men, 
his remaining years glided peacefully on until his death, 
14 



158 MANNING AND Chap. ITT. 

whicb occurred on tlie 29th of May, 1791, in the sixty- 
third year of his age. On the morning of this day, which 
was the Sabbath, he rode out, and on liis return break- 
fasted with his family as usual. After sending his son and 
daughter to church, and declaring his intention, weak as 
he was, to go himself to the house of God, he was taken 
worse, and in a few hours, by an easy death, gently trans- 
lated from this state of change and trial to the pure and 
blissful worship of the church above. On Tuesday follow- 
ing, his remains were carried to the Baptist meeting-house, 
w^here a most eloquent and impressive funeral sermon was 
preached by the Rev. Dr. Stillman, who for many years 
had be<3n his intimate friend. 

From this sermon, which was afterwards published, we 
make the following extract, as an illustration of the man- 
ner in which he was esteemed by those who had known 
him long and well : — 

" Perhaps there is nothing more difficult than to give characters : we 
say too much for some, and too little for others ; but in this instance the 
deceased was too well known, and liis character too long established, to 
need an}' commendation from me. Yet I wisli to gratify my present feel- 
ings, by saying that for twenty years I have enjoyed an intimate and 
pleasing acquaintance with him, and knew him well. He was the affec- 
tionate husband, the tender father, the compassionate master, the dutiful 
son, the loving brother, and the steady, faithful friend. He took much pains, 
by reading and by conversation, to inform liis mind, and had acquired 
general knowi((lge. But religion was liis favorite subject. To Chris- 
tianity in gencnil, as founded on a fulness of evidence, and to its peculiar 
doctrines, be v.ns firmly attached. And from his uniform temper, his 
love to the g()s|)cl and to jjious incn, together with liis many and gen- 
erous exertions to jiroiiiotc the cause of Christ, Ave may safely conclude 
that he bad tasted that the Lord is gracious. Therefore we sorrow not 
as they who have no hope. He was a Baptist from principle, and a lover 
of good men of all dciioiniiuitiuMs. Blessed with opulence, he was ready 
to distribute to pni)lir and to private uses. In his death, the college in 



1769-1770. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 159 

this place, this church and society, the town of Providence, and the gen- 
eral interests of religion, learning, and liberaliiy have lost a friend indeed." 

Mr. Brown, it is somewhat remarkable, never made a 
public profession of that religion wiiich, from the tenor of 
his every-day life, was seen to be the animating motive of 
his conduct, and the source of his highest joys. He ap- 
pears to have been distrustful of himself, and to have 
shrunk from a public avowal of his faith, from a too great 
timidity, perhaps, and a painful consciousness of imperfec- 
tions and short-comings, which are but the common heri- 
tage of our fallen natures. Perhaps, too, his awful reverence 
for Deity prevented his taking upon himself the solemn 
vows involved in church covenant and membership. This 
reverence impressed every one who heard him speak, or 
saw him write the sacred name. It was his custom to write 
it in capitals, and he often desired others to do the same. 

The following letter, addressed to his intimate friend, 
the Rev. Hezekiah Smith, of Haverhill, Mass., affords a 
happy illustration of his views and feelings in regard to 
his religious state. It is interesting also from its allusions 
to the college ; — 

Providence, March 30, 1772. 
Eeverend Sir : 

This may serve to acquaint you and Mrs. Smith that we have not for- 
gotten you. We have received none of your favors since 28th September, 
by Mr. Manning ; yet we have no excuse for not writing to you before, 
except that of not having any particulars worthy your notice. Mr. Bin- 
ney,i a worthy, humble, and meek young Christian, having been the 
evening with us, 1 engaged to forward these to you from Boston, as he 
is now going home the ensuing vacation. His conversation upon Chris- 
tianity is really entertaining, and we sincerely wish, while we can say 
that we take knowledge of him that he has " been with Jesus," that 

1 Baruabas Binney, who graduated in 1774. 



160 MANNINGAND Chap. III. 

the same might l)e said of (ourselves. This knowledge we are still waiting 
for. I hope, in the day of God's power, it will be made manifest in us ; 
and I take this opportunity of requesting your fervent prayers that God 
would remove from us the veil of ignorance and unbelief, and that Christ 
in his fulness may be savingly applied to our souls through faith, which 
we believe to be the gift of God, as saith the Scriptures. It is a very dull 
time in religion here, though we have to rejoice that God has not left him- 
self wholly without a witness. We are informed that in Swanzey, among 
the Baptists in Messrs. Mason's and Martin's societies, upwards of forty 
have been baptized since January came in. Some additions have been 
made to tlie Baptist churches in Newport. We Iiavc heard from Phila- 
delphia that Rogers was much liked there, and that his preaching has 
been blessed. Mr. Edwards has gone to Carolina. I hope ho may be 
able to promote the collection of your subscriptions got there, as they are 
much needed. There is notliing new here about the college. The lower 
rooms have been finished, so that the scholars have lived in thefn this 
winter. The enemies to the institution arc doing what mischief they can, 
by discouraging scholars from coming here ; which fact ought to stir up 
every friend to exert himself to the utmost. Should be glad to hear of 
some boys coming here from your quarter. Mr. President is well, but his 
wife is poorly, with her old complaints. Pray let us hear of your welfare 
by every opportunity. 

Your most respectful and obedient servant, 

Nicholas Brow^n. 

In a letter to Mr. Smith, written fifteen years after- 
wards, Mr. Brown farther remarks: "I am as rationally 
convinced of the reality of religion as ever, and wish to 
live with a more lively sense of it in my own soul. I 
know there is a great work of duty to be attended to, 
without which we have no promise. And I feel assured 
that this line of duty, however straight and plain, we 
shall not pursue, without the supernatural aids of that 
Spirit of love.'''' 

To tliis sketcli we ai)pend the following remarkable epi- 
tapli, written by the lion. David Howell, and placed upon 
the monument erected by liis widow and surviving cliil- 



17G9-1770. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 161 

dren. It is a fitting and eloquent tribute to his memory, 
and presents in brief a comprehensiv^e view of his entire 
life: — 

IN MEMORY OP 

Who died May 29, A. D. 1791, ^t. 62. 

He descended from respectable ancestors, 

Who were some of the first settlers in this State. 

His stature was large, his personal appearance 

Mauly and noble. 

His genius penetrating, his memory tenacious. 

His judgment strong, his affections lively and warm. 

He was an early, persevering, and liberal patron 

Of the College in this town. 

And a member and great benefactor of the Baptist Society. 

His donations in support of learning and religion 

Were generous and abundant. 

His occupation was merchandise ; 

In which, by industry, punctuality, and success. 

He accumulated a large fortune. 

He was plain and sincere in his manners, a faithful 

Friend, a good neighbor, and an entertaining companion. 

His knowledge 

Of books, of men, of business, and of the world 

Was great, and of the most useful kind. 

He loved his country. 

And had an equal esteem of liberty and good government. 

He had deeply studied the Holy Scriptures, and was convinced 

Of the great truths of revelation. 

He was a religious observer of the Sabbath, 

And of public Avorship, 

And trained up his household after him. 

He was a lover of all men, especially of good men, 

The ministers and disciples of Christ, 

Who always received a friendly welcome under his hospitable roof. 

As in life he was universally esteemed. 

So in death he was universally lamented. 

The conjugal affection of a mourning widow. 

And filial piety of an orphan son and daughter. 

Have erected this Monument. 

14* 



1C2 MANNING AND Chap. III. 

V.^ JOSEPH BROWN. 

Joseph, the second of the " Four Brothers," was born 
Dec. 3d, 1733. At an early age he gave proofs of a supe- 
rior genius. He engaged in merchandise and in the man- 
ufacturing business ; and by his industry and skill acquired, 
if not affluence, at least a competency, which enabled him 
to indulge his natural taste for science. The first display 
of his philosophical abilities was in electricity, in which he 
became an adept. At his death he left an electrical ap- 
paratus of his own construction, equal, it is said, if not su- 
perior, to any then existing in the country. His researches, 
too, in other branches of science, particularly in astronomy, 
attracted the notice of the literati. But his favorite study 
was mechanics. The want of an early education was an ob- 
stacle in the way of his literary career, but the efforts of his 
genius in surmounting it excited the greatest admiration. 
In testimony of his merits, the honorary degree of Master of 
Arts was conferred on him, and he was elected a member 
of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. 

He was a warm friend of the college, of which he was a 
Trustee from the year 1769 until his death ; and in all that 
pertained to its prosperity and growth he was thoroughly 
identified. In 1784 lip was made a Professor of Natural 
Philoso])hy ; and in consideration of the impoverished con- 
dition of the college, resulting from the war, he generously 
gave his valuable services to the institution without com- 
pensation. He w^as thus the second professor (aside from 
the President) ever appointed by the corporation ; the 
lion. David Howell being the first. He was a consistent 
member of the Baptist church, being the only one of the 
brothers who ever made a public profession of religion. 
The meeting-house of this venerable society, which for 



1769-1770. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 1C3 

nearly a century has adorned the place, still stands, a con- 
spicuous monument of his skill as an architect. In the 
year 1775, we find that he was appointed by the General 
Assembly, in company with the Hon. Esek Hopkins, to 
go through the colony and decide what places should be 
fortified, and in what manner. This shows the estimate 
which the public put upon his judgment and abilities as a 
man of science. 

He died on the 3d of December, 1785, at the age of fift}^- 
one. His funeral was attended by a numerous train of 
mourning relatives and friends, and a discourse suitable to 
the occasion was delivered by his pastor. Dr. Manning. 

The following, which we copy from his tombstone, is a 
brief summary of his character and virtues : — 

in memory op 

Who departed this life Dec. 3d, 1785, 
In the 52d tear op his age. 

In the course of his life 

He was a Eepresentative for the Town of Providence, 

An Assistant of the Governor in Council, 

A Trustee of Rhode Island College, 

A Professor of Experimental Philosophy therein, 

A Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 

And of the Baptist Church, etc. 

He became an adept in Electricity, 

And well versed in Experimental Philosophy. 

But his great strength appeared in his 

Favorite study of Mechanics. 

He was a Patriot from principle. 

And zealous for his country's freedom and independence. 

In his life were exemplified charity and munificence, 

Preeminently, witli other virtues of an 

Honest man. 

Erected by his disconsolate widow 

And four children. 



1C4 MANNING AND Chap. III. 

Mr. Brown married Elizabeth, daughter of Nicholas 
Power, Esq. In 1774 he erected for his residence the ele- 
gant house now owned and occupied by the Providence 
Bank. Here, in happiness and peace, he spent the closing 
years of his life. Of his children, Mary, the oldest, was 
married, in 1799, to the Rev. Dr. Gano, w^ho for nearly forty 
years w^as the esteemed pastor of the First Baptist Church. 
She died the following year, Dec. 8th, in the forty-first 
year of her age. A funeral sermon on the occasion of her 
decease was preached by President Maxcy, which sermon 
was afterwards published. She aj^pears to have been a 
woman of great worth, possessing many and rare accom- 
plishments. Obadiah, who was never married, died Feb. 14, 
1815, at the age of fifty-three. Eliza, the third child, mar- 
ried Richard Ward, a merchant of New York, son of Gov. 
Samuel Ward, of Rhode Island. She died in 1845, without 
issue. Joseph, the youngest, died in 1791, at the age of six- 
teen. The only living representative of the family is Mrs. 
Eliza B. Rogers, wife of Joseph Rogers, and only daughter 
of Dr. Gano, by his wife Mary. At her death, therefore, she 
having no children, this branch of the Brown fmiily be- 
comes extinct. Mrs. Rogers has recently given to the 
University a scholarship, to be called the Joseph Brown 
Scholarship, in honor of her distinguished grandfather. 
We close this sketch of Mr. Brown with the followinor 

o 

extract from a pain[>hlet, published nearly a century ago, 
entitled, "An Account of the Observation of Venus upon 
the Sun, the third dny of June, 17(V.), at Providence, in 
New England. Witli some Account of the Use of those 
Observations. By Benjamin West. Providence : Printed 
by John Carter, at Shakspear's Head, 17G9." Mr. West, it 
may be added, was Professor of Mathematics, Astronomy, 



1709-1770. BUOWN UNIVERSITY. 1G5 

and Natural Philosophy in Rhode Island College, from 
1786 to 1798. 

" It remains now to give an account of the preparations that were made 
in Providence for the observation of this transit ; ^ in doing of which I 
shall be as particular as possible, that the reader may the better judge of 
the merit of our work. 

" When it became more generally known that there would be a transit 
of Venus in 17G9, and the advantages that were like to accrue to as- 
tronomy, and consequently to navigation and chronology, from proper 
observations of it, Mr. Joseph Brown,^ a very respectable merchant of 
Providence, being very desirous, if possible, to obtain an observation of 
it, was pleased to advise with me concerning an apparatus suitable for 
such an observation, and to know if we should be able to observe the 
transit with the necessary precision for answering the important design. 

" As the proposal was new and unexpected, my answer was not di- 
rect, as it required some time to consider of it. At length I gave him 
my opinion concerning an apparatus proper for such an occasion ; and 
that I thought we could observe the transit with that accuracy as would 
render it worthy of notice, provided we could have such an apparatus as 
was described. My answer gave him so much satisfaction in the matter, 
that he immediately sent his orders to his correspondent in London to 
procure the instruments. His orders were accordingly executed with fidel- 
ity and dispatch. They arrived in Providence about one month before the 



1 The street called Transit Street was named in commemoration of this event. 
The observations were taken on the hill where the street is laid out. 

2 '• Mr. Brown is a gentleman of a solid, active genius, strongly turned to the 
study of mechanics and natural philosophy, which has induced him to construct 
and furnish himself with as curious and complete an apparatus for electrical 
experiments as any, perhaps, in America, and of which he well knows the use. 
Reading Mr. Winthrop's account of the transit in 1761, was what first occasioned 
him to send for a telescope, fitted in the manner Mr. Winthrop there describes. 
Afterwards, taking notice of the application of the American Philosophical 
Society to the Assembly of Tennsylvania for an apparatus for observing the 
transit of Venus, he found the orders he had sent were incomplete. He then ad- 
vised with the author, as mentioned, and thereupon ordered a micrometer to be 
added. Mr. Brown's expense in this laudable undertaking was little less than 
£100 sterling, besides near a month's time of himself and servants in making 
the necessary previous experiments and preparations." 



K'O MANNING AND Chap. III. 

transit. Our apparatus was made bj Messieurs Watkins and Smith, 
London. It consisted of a three-feet reflecting telescope, with horizontal 
and vertical wires for taking differences of altitudes and azimuths, ad- 
justed with spirit-levels at right angles, and a divided arch for taking al- 
titudes ; a curious helioscope, together with a micrometer of a new and 
elegant construction, with rack motions, and fitted to the telescope. Such 
a noble disposition in Mr. Brown for promoting useful knowledge cer- 
tainly merits the applause of the public ; and, in justice to him, I must 
acknowledge, our work could not have been done with equal accuracy- 
had it not been for his skill and contrivance therein." 



John, the third brother in age, was born on the 27th of 
January, 1736. He was the most active and energetic of 
the family ; and in developing the industry and extending 
the commerce of the town, he has left his impress upon 
the entire community, in a degree seldom equalled. He 
was the first merchant in Rhode Island, it is said, who 
carried trade to China and the East Indies. He fostered 
the interests of the church over which his ancestors had 
been elders or ministers, contributing liberally of his wealth 
for the support of preaching, and in creating a permanent 
fund for the society. In founding, endowing, and sustain- 
ing the college, he was ever prominent and active, as our 
pages throughout show. Though a wealthy merchant, 
and having larger interests at stake than most men, he 
was a patriotic leader in the cause of the American Revo- 
lution ;^ and, at a later period, when his native State stood 

1 In reference to Mr. Brown at the breaking out of the war in 1775, we find 
the following, in a memoir of Elkanah Watson, published in the April number 
of the New England Historical and Genealogical Ilegistcr for 18G3. Mr. Watsou 
was an apprentice to Mr. Brown at this period. 

"Mr. Brown, finding the army desitute of every munition of war, particularly 
of powder, directed the captains of his vessels, on their return voyages, to freight 



17G9-1770. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 167 

aloof from the Union, and refused to adopt the Federal 
Constitution, he was distinguished as a champion of the 
Federal party ; and he without doubt did more than any 
other man towards securing the final adoption of the Con- 
stitution by the people of Rhode Island. In 1784 he was 
chosen a delegate to Congress, in place of Jonathan Ar- 
nold, who had removed to Vermont. While here he was 
appointed one of the commissioners for erecting the Fed- 
eral buildings, which it was then proposed to locate on the 
banks of the Delaware. At the spring election in 1785, 
he was again returned to Congress as a delegate, and in 
1799 he was elected a member, serving two years. This 
was about the last of his public life. He died on the 20th 
of September, 1803, in the sixty-eighth year of his age. 



with that article ; and when the army at Boston had not four rounds to a man, 
most fortunately one of Mr. Brown's ships brought in a ton and a half of pow- 
der, and it was immediately forwarded, under the charge of young Watson, to 

Cambridge, attended by six or eight recruits to guard it Soon after this 

war, Brown, having contracted to supply the army of Washington with flour, 
sailed for Providence with a cargo from Newport. This vessel was seized, and 
Mr. Brown was himself made prisoner, and sent to Boston in irons, charged 
with heading a party, in 1772, which burned his Majesty's schooner Gaspee in 
Providence river. 

" The whole community were indignant and exasperated at his seizure. A 
consultation was held immediately, and it was decided to send an express to 
Plymouth in order to fit out two armed schooners to intercept, if possible, the 
captured flour vessel, in her passage round Cape Cod." 

Some sixty or eighty men embarked in two fishing schooners, equipped with 
two old cannon each ; but after cruising about Cape Cod for ten days, they re- 
turned without success. Mr. Brown was soon after released, through the inter- 
position of his brother Moses Brown. (Mr. Brown was taken prisoner Wednes- 
day, April 26, 1775, and released the following week.) 

As a. further illustration of Mr. Brown's prominence and activity in the war, 
it may be stated that in the eighth volume (just published) of Bartlett's Colonial 
Records, including a period of four years (177G-79), his name appears, in connec- 
tion with important committees and various public services, no less than twenty- 
six times. No other name has such frequent mention in the volume to which 
we have referred. 



168 MANNING AND Chap. III. 

The following inscription on his tombstone describes 
briefly, but well, his character and worth : — 



Underneath this stone 

Are deposited the mortal 

Remains of 

|oblT grofejt. 

The enterprising and accomplished Merchant, 

The tried Patriot and wise Legislator, 

The universal Philanthropist and sincere Christian. 

Born January 27th, 1736. 

Died September 20th, 1803. 



"Wife, Saeah, daughter of 

Daniel Smith and Dorcas his wife. 

Born, Providence, May 13th, 1738. 

Married November 27th, 1760, 

Died February 27th, 1825. 

Mr. Brown has been hapi3ily described as " a man of 
magnificent projects and of extraordinary enterprise." 
Whatever he did was in accordance with his enlarged 
views, and oftentimes far in advance of the age in which he 
lived. In his day Main Street was a sandy and disagree- 
able walk. He first caused it to be paved ; and although 
at that time he had twenty sail of ships abroad upon the 
sea, he might be seen busily engaged upon the work him- 
self, in order to be sure that it was properly done. " Uni- 
versity Hall," of which he laid the corner-stone, and in the 
planning and construction of which he bore so prominent 
a part, is even now one of the finest and best of the col- 
leq;c buildinc^s. No other man would have had the rcsolu- 
tion and courage as "the committee man " to carry on the 
building of the Baptist meeting-house, at a time when 
Providence was comparatively a small town, and when 



1769-1770. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 1G9 

hostilities between the colonies and the mother country 
seemed about to begin. His own stately mansion, built 
of imj^orted brick and freestone, after English models, in 
the year 1786, was long noted as one of the largest and 
finest private residences in all ]N'ew England. It was at his 
former residence on South Main Street that he gave, in 
honor of Gen. Nathanael Green, the greatest private dinner, 
it is said, that had ever been given in Rhode Island. His 
Commencement dinners, to which all graduates and friends 
were freely invited, at a period when public dinners were 
not provided by the college, as at present,^ were remem- 
bered with pleasure years after the hospitable entertainer 
had passed away. 

In appearance and manners Mr. Brown was not perhaps 
so prepossessing as his brother Nicholas. He was short in 
stature, and inclined to corpulency. In his bearing he 
was somewhat imperious at times, and seemed like one 
born to command. Had he entered the army,- he would 
undoubtedly have attained to military distinction, possess- 
ing as he did the essential qualities of a great commander. 

1 Commencement dinners, so caUed, were first provided after the death of 
President Manning, as appears from the following entry in the records of the 
corporation : — 

" College Hill, Sept. 4, 1792. 

" Votedy That the person who collects tuition from the students, in future 
charge each student with one dollar per year, to be taxed in his third quarter's 
bill for the year, to be applied towards furnishing a public dinner annually for 
the corporation and gentlemen of a literary character who may attend the Com- 
mencements; which dinner is to be provided by the steward on Commencement 
days, under the direction of a committee appointed by this corporation. 

" Voted, That Dr. Enos Hitchcock, Mr. Welcome Arnold, and Col. Daniel 
Tillinghast be a committee for directing the steward in providing the public 
dinner the next Commencement." 

From this time onward, as appears from the records, public dinners have been 
regularly furnished for the corporation and graduates of the college on Com- 
mencement occasions. Of late years, however, the tax therefor on the students 
has been confined to members of the graduating class. 

15 



170 MANNING AND Chap. III. 

As an instance of his wonderful influence over the people, 
his grandson, Gov. Francis, relates, that, while riding about 
the city with him, a fire broke out at India Point. He 
immediately hastened to the spot, and at once his stento- 
rian voice was heard above the noise and din, giving com- 
mands with clearness and precision. Order took the place 
of confusion. The crowd looked to him as their natural 
leader in this emergency, notwithstanding the presence of 
several fire organizations ; and soon the fire was extin- 
guished. This was about a year before his death. Mr. 
Brown, as the inscription on his tombstone states, married 
a daughter of Daniel Smith, of Providence, by whom he 
had two sons and four daughters ; namely, James, who 
died Dec. 12, 1834, aged seventy-three; Benjamin, who 
died July 7, 1774, aged ten ; Abigail, who died in infancy ; 
Abby, who married, Jan. 1, 1788, John Francis; Sarah, 
who married Charles F. Ilerreshoff ; and Alice, who mar- 
ried James Brown Mason, a graduate of the college in the 
Class of 1791. 

Mr. Brown is known in history by his connection with 
the affair of the Gaspee, without some mention of which 
our sketch of him would be incomplete. We have there- 
fore compiled the following account from Judge Staples's 
"Documentary History of the Destruction of the Gaspee," 
published in 1845, and also from Lossing, Arnold, and other 
writers, as a fitting close to this brief biography. To his 
grandson, the Hon. J. B. Francis, we are indebted for some 
particulars of this transaction not found in the published 
accounts. 

In March, 1772, the Gaspee, a British armed schooner, 
first appeared in the waters of Narrngansett Bay, having 
been despatched thither by the commissioners of customs 
at Boston to prevent infractions of the revenue laws. Her 



1769-1770. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 171 

appearance disquieted the people, and her interference 
with the free navigation of the bay irritated them. There- 
upon a spirited correspondence ensued, between Deputy 
Governor Sessions and Gov. Wanton on the one hand, 
and Lieut. Duddingston and Admiral Montague on the 
other. On the 9th of June, 1772, Capt. Lindsey left New- 
port for Providence in his packet the Hannah. The Gaspee 
as usual gave chase, but ran aground on Namquit, since 
called Gaspee Point, below Pawtuxet, and the Hannah 
escaped, arriving safely at Providence about sunset. Capt. 
Lindsey at once communicated the fact of the grounding 
of the Gaspee to Mr. Brown, who thought this a good 
opportunity to put an end to the v^ations caused by her 
presence. He immediately ordered the preparation of eight 
of the largest long-boats in the harbor, to be placed under 
the general command of Capt. Abraham Whipple, after- 
wards commodore, who was one of his most trusty ship- 
masters. Information of the enemy's situation was pro- 
claimed by beat of drum; a man named Daniel Pearce 
passing along Main Street and inviting such of the inhab- 
itants as were willing to engage in a perilous enterprise 
for the destruction of the Gaspee, to meet at the house of 
James Sabine, lately the residence of Richard J. Arnold, 
Esq. The boats left Providence between ten and eleven 
o'clock, filled with sixty-four well-armed men, and between 
one and two in the morning they reached the Gaspee. 
Two shots were exchanged, one of which wounded Lieut. 
Duddingston in the groin. This Avas the first British blood 
shed in the war of Independence. The schooner was now 
boarded without much opposition, and the crew and officers 
were compelled to leave with their effects, when she was 
set on fire and blown up. Mr. Brown was the last man to 
leave the deck, being determined that no one should carry 



172 MANNING AND Chap. III. 

from the vessel anything which might lead to the identi- 
fication and detection of the parties. By so doing he nar- 
rowly escaped with his life, in consequence of the falling 
timbers and spars. 

When the news of this daring feat reached England, 
the King's proclamation was issued, offering a reward of 
one thousand pounds sterling for the arrest and conviction 
of the two leaders -of the affair, and five hundred pounds 
each for any other of the offenders, with a free pardon in 
addition, to any one concerned, except the two chiefs, who 
would imi^licate the rest. A commission of inquiry, under 
the great seal of England, was established, which sat from 
the 4th until the 22d of January, 1773. It then adjourned 
until the 26th of May, when it assembled and sat until the 
23d of June. But not a solitary clew to the identity of 
the perpetrators of the deed could be obtained, notwith- 
standing they were well known to the people. Many of 
them were among the most prominent citizens of the col- 
ony. The price of treachery on the part of any accomplice 
would have been exile from home and country ; and the 
proffered reward was not adequate to such a sacrifice. 
Moreover, those whose weak moral principles or strong 
acquisitiveness might have tempted them into a compli- 
ance with the terms of the proclamation, were bribed, it is 
said, to silence, by Mr. Brown and some of his associates. 
The jmncipal actors, besides Mr. Brown, were Capt. Abra- 
ham Whipple, John B. Hopkins, Benjamin Dunn, Dr. John 
Mawney, Benjamin Page, Joseph Bucklin, Tur])in Smitli, 
E^^hraim Bowen, and Capt. Joseph Tillinghast. Mr. Brown, 
says Gov. Francis, afterwards deeply regretted this affair, 
as foolhardy in itself, and resulting in so much needless ap- 
prehension to himself and family. For a long time he 
was accustomed to sleep away from home, lest he should 



1760-1770. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 173 

be arrested during the iiiglit. The first booming of the 
guns at Lexington and Concord filled his mind with glad- 
ness. He was a stranger himself to fear, but he rejoiced 
when the anxieties and fears of others were merged in the 
open contest now commenced. History has given to the 
leader in this Rhode Island enterprise the fame which he 
so richly deserves. 

v.* MOSES BROWN. 

Moses, the youngest of the brothers, was born on the 23d 
of September, 1738. His father dying while he was in his 
infancy, his youth and early manhood were spent in the fam- 
ily of his uncle, Obadiah Brown, a wealthy merchant of 
Providence, whose daughter he married, and a portion of 
whose estate he inherited by will. In 1763, one year pre- 
vious to his marriage, he engaged in mercantile pursuits, 
in connection with his three brothers ; but after ten years 
of active life he withdrew from the bustle of trade to that 
retirement to which his feeble health invited, and which 
was more congenial to his early-formed taste for intellec- 
tual pursuits. Here on his beautiful estate in the environs 
of Providence, in rural quiet and simplicity, he spent a 
long and useful life, aiding by his judicious counsels and 
abundant wealth in the promotion of intelligence, piety, 
and freedom among men. In his religious sentiments Mr. 
Brown, like the rest of his family, was a Baptist. At the 
early age of thirty-five he became a member of the society 
of Friends ; and from that time until the close of life, a 
period of more than sixty years, he was a firm adherent 
to the primitive doctrines of the society; exerted a strong 
influence in all its concerns, both secular and religious; 
sustained many of its most important offices with dignity 
15* 



174 MANNING AND Chap. III. 

and usefulness ; was long regarded as the patriarch of the 
society; and was greatly respected and beloved for liis 
many Christian virtues, not only by liis own brethren, but 
by other denominations. He was the founder and patron 
of the excellent institution known as the "Friends' Board- 
ing School" in Providence, — a school which, under the 
auspices of the yearly meeting of the society, has done 
much to diffuse the influences of intellectual culture among 
the members of that estimable Clu'istian denomination. 
Among Mr. Brown's donations to this institution, may be 
mentioned one of forty-three acres of land, on which the 
school edifices now stand, and, at his decease, a house and 
lot near the school, a valuable collection of books, and 
fifteen thousand dollars in money. Besides these, liis fa- 
therly regard for the children of others induced him to ap- 
propriate one hundred dollars annually during life for their 
education. In this way he educated thirty individuals. 
He was, in accordance with the principles of the religious 
denomination to which he belonged, a friend of peace, and 
opposed to slavery in all its forms. He manumitted his 
slaves in 1773 ; was one of the founders, and for many years 
an efl[icient member of, the Abolition Society of Rhode Isl- 
and, and was also an active member and liberal supporter 
of the Rhode Island Peace and Bible Societies. Though 
his constitution was originally feeble, yet he nearly com- 
pleted his ninety-eighth year ; until his last illness retaining 
in a remarkable degree the use of his faculties of body and 
of mind. He spent much of his time in reading and writ- 
ing, maintained an extensive correspondence, and rarely 
made use of a clerk or an amanuensis. He made his will at 
the age of ninety-six ; a long instrument, exemplifying, in 
an interesting manner, liis attachment to his friends, and his 
desire to promote the cause of education, philanthropy, and 



1769-1770. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 175 

religion. His death took place at Providence, September 
6, 1836. 

Mr. Brown was connected with the Masonic fraternity, 
being one of the earliest members of St. John's Lodge, 
Providence. He received his first degree on the 4th of Oc- 
tober, 1758. In December following, he was elected secre- 
tary of the Lodge, an office which he retained eleven years. 
During this time the Lodge held ninety-seven meetings, at 
eighty of which he was present, — an instance, says the Rev. 
Dr. Randall, of fidelity to official duties well worthy the 
imitation of the generations that have succeeded him. The 
discipline of the society of Friends, with which he subse- 
quently connected himself, forbade all union with Masonry ; 
nevertheless, he continued to cherish a high regard for the 
institution, although compelled to withdraw from active 
connection with the fraternity. His brother John, it may 
be added, was initiated a member of the Lodge on the 
29th of March, 1758, and his brother Joseph on the Gth of 
April, 1757. 

A fine portrait of this venerable philanthropist has been 
placed in Manning Hall, with the portraits of other distin- 
guished men. It was painted by Mr. Heade, from an 
original sketch by W. J. Harris. Mr. Brown was three 
times married ; but he outlived all his family — lacking only 
two years, two weeks, and two days of being one hundred 
years old. By his first wife, Anna Brown, he had three 
children, — a son and two daughters. One of the latter 
died in infancy. His daughter Sarah, who was married to 
WilUam Almy, died in 1794. His son Obadiah died in 
1822, in the vigor and strength of manhood. His only 
grandchild was the late Mrs. Anna Almy Jenkins, whose 
untimely death, at the burning of her mansion, cast such a 
gloom over the entire community. To Moses Brown 



176 MANNING AND BROWN UNIVERSITY. Chap. HI. 

Jenkins, the only son of this grand-daughter, he bequeathed 
the house and lands where, in j^eaceful retirement, he had 
spent sixty-five years of his life, and where he breathed out 
his latest breath. 

In closing these imperfect sketches of the Browns, we 
can but express our regret that no painter's skill has trans- 
ferred to canvas (except in the case of Moses Brown), 
the looks and features of these great-hearted men, to 
whose Christian activity and benevolence the present 
generation is so largely indebted. We know them only 
by their works. 



CHAPTEE IV. 



1770-1773. 

First Baptist Cliurch of Providence —Founded by Roger "Williams, in 1639 — 
Samuel Winsor — Manning's connection with the Church — Invited to preach 
— Controversy on Singing in public worship, and the Imposition of Hands — 
Becomes the Pastor in 1771 — Revival under his preaching — Letter to Dr. Steu- 
nett, of London, giving an account of his views and feelings as Pastor of the 
Church and President of the College, together with an account of the dispute 
between the Baptists and Congregationalists of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, 
and Connecticut — Circular Letter of the Warren Association, in 1770, recom- 
mending the churches to seek redress of their grievances at the King's Court 
in England — Letter to Rev. Hezekiah Smith in behalf of an oppressed Baptist 
Church in Richmond, N. H. —Letter to Rev. John Ryland, of Northampton, 
England — Bitterness of the New England Congregationalists in general to- 
wards the College — Ryland's reply — List of worthy men of learning and 
character in England deserving the honors of the College — Letter from Mor- 
gan Edwards illustrating the ill-feeling of the Congregationalists towards the 
College —Extract from Prof. Knowles's Memoir of Roger Williams respecting 
the expediency of unveiling scenes of intolerance and persecution — Account 
of the third Commencement, in 1771 — Letter to Dr. Llewelyn, of London, giv- 
ing the condition and prospects of the College, and urging its claims upon his 
benevolence — Letter to Rev. John Ryland — Honors of the College — Spread 
of Baptist sentiments in New England — Manning suggests a Lottery to aug- 
ment the funds of the College — His connection with the Latin School — Man- 
ning's Salary — Letter to Rev. John Ryland — Gift to the College of Dr. GilPs 
Works and fifty-two volumes of the Fathers — Ryland's letter to Manning — 
Character and early history of Ryland's friend, Rev. Augustus Toplady —Let- 
ter to Dr. Stennett — Letter from Rev. Isaac Woodman, of Thorp, England, 
suggesting a printed Narrative of the College and declining its honors — Man- 
ning's reply — Extract from a letter from Ryland respecting a History of the 
College — Playful letter to Rev. Hezekiah Smith — Letter to Rev. Benjamin 
Wallin, a wealthy Baptist of London — Wallin's reply — Letter to Ryland 
upon academic honors, and detailing facts illustrative of the ill-will of Congre- 
gationalists towards the College — Ryland's reply — Listof Calvinistic Baptist 
Ministers in England able to read the Greek Testament — Letter from Rev. O. 



178 MAXXIXG AXD Chap. IV. 

Hart, of Charleston, S. C, tbankiug Manniug for the discipline of the rod to 
his son — Letter to Eyland — Letter to Wallin — Letter to Kcv. Abraham 
Booth, of London, author of " lleign of Grace.'' 

The connection of Dr. Manning with the Baptist church 
in Providence was an important event in his life, and is 
therefore deserving of special notice. This church was 
founded by Roger Williams, during the year 1G39 ; and it 
is the oldest Baptist church in America. With its history 
prior to 1770 we have now no special concern. At that 
time it numbered one hundred and eighteen communi- 
cants, and was under the pastoral care of the Rev. Samuel 
Winsor, Jr. Residing at a, distance from the meeting- 
house, and finding the duties of his office too arduous for 
him, he made known to his people liis earnest desire to be 
released from services wdiich he could no longer perform 
without infringing upon fimily obligations, wliich he re- 
garded as paramount to all others. The settlement of 
Dr. Manning in Providence was hailed by the church as a 
happy event, supposing, as they did, that, by calUng him to 
be their pastor, they could carry into eifect the Welshes of 
Mr. Winsor. He was at once invited to occupy the pul- 
pit. He accepted the invitation, and preached a sermon 
on a Sunday which liappened to be the day for the admin- 
istration of the Lord's Supper. Several of the members of 
the church were, however, dissatisfied that "the privilege 
of transient communion" should have been allowed to Dr. 
Manning ; believing that he held the doctrine of imposition 
of hands rather too loosely, and that he practised it more 
to accommodate the consciences of others tlian to meet 
the demands of his own. This dissatisfiiction led to the 
formation of a i)arty, and to a series of church meetings, 
in which the majority, liowevcr, was, in every instance, 
found to l>e on the side of JNIaniiing. Willi this i»arty ]\Ir. 



1770-1773. CROWN UNIVERSITY. 179 

Winsor himself sympathized and acted. This, however, 
was thought by some to be only " the ostensible reason " 
of dissatisfaction with Mr. Manning. The true cause of 
opposition to him was " his holding to singing in public 
worship, which was higlily disgustful to Mr. Winsor." 
On this point the sentiments of the Quakers appear to 
have prevailed in the church, and singing Vvas discarded 
as unauthorized by the New Testament. What diversity 
of opinion once existed touching a jjoint which seems clear 
to us, may readily be seen by consulting the controversial 
works, on this subject, of Keach, Russell, Allen, Mario w, 
Claridge, and others, published in London towards the 
close of the seventeenth century. 

Finally, adopting for the most part the language of the 
church records, Mr. Winsor, in April, 1771, presented to 
the church a writing, signed by a number of the members, 
stating that they were in conscience bound to withdraw 
from such as did not " hold strictly to the six principles 
of the doctrine of Christ as laid down in Hebrews vi. 1, 2." 
In May following he accordingly withdrew, and joined 
the " Separates." After advising with the Rev. Gardner 
Thurston of Newport, Rev. Messrs. Job and Russel Mason 
of Swanzey, and others, the church appointed a meeting 
to consider the propriety of calling President Manning to 
administer ordinances ; whereupon the following resolution 
was passed : — 

" At a meeting of t!ie members of the Old Baptist Church in Provi- 
dence, in church meeting assembled this 31st day of July, 1771, Daniel 
Jenckes, Esq., moderator: Whereas, Elder Samuel Winsor, nov*' of 
Johnston, has withdrawn himself, and a considerable number of members 
of this church, from their communion wit!i us who live in town ; and we, 
being destitute of a minister to administer the ordinances amongst us, 
have met together in order to choose and appoint a suitable person for 



180 MAXNIXG AND Chap. IV. 

this purpose. Upon due consideration, the members choose and appoint 
Elder James Manning to preach and administer the communion accord- 
ing to our former usage." 

To the above resolve Mr. Manning returned the follow- 
ing answer : — 

" As the church is destitute of an administrator, and think the cause of 
religion suffers through the neglect of the ordinances of God's house, I 
consent to undertake to administer pro tempore ; that is, until there may 
be a more full disquisition of the matter, or time to seek other help ; at 
least, until time may prove whether it will be consistent with my other 
engagements, and for the general interests of religion." 

Thus commenced a relation, which, through various 
vicissitudes and trials, incident to the disturbed times that 
soon followed, continued, with credit to the pastor and 
with great advantage to tlie church and congregation, 
down to a short period before Mr. Manning's death, in 
1791. At first his preaching was not attended with marked 
results. But in 1774 a remarkable revival of reliscion at- 
tended his labors, as the fruits of which one hundred and 
four persons were added to the church. " It is delightful," 
says the Rev. Dr. Hague in his Historical Discourse, " to 
place ourselves in imagination amidst the scenes of that 
year, — to picture before us the able and faithful preacher 
who then officiated here as he stood up amidst the large 
assemblies of the i:)eople who thronged around him, listen- 
ing, as they did, to the gospel with intense attention, as a 
message from the skies — the very word of God, which 
worketh effectually in them that believe, — to mark the 
lively interest which was kindled in every bosom and 
beamed from every eye, as one after another came forth 
*on the side of the Lord,' and professed his faith in public 
baptism, — to contemplate the fresh springs of spiritual 



1770-1773. BROWN^ UNIVERSITY. 181 

life which were then opened in many a house when the 
family altar was first erected there, and parents and chil- 
dren bowed together to worship the common Father and 
Redeemer in spirit and in truth." 

The following letter to the Rev. Dr. Stennett gives 
a pleasing account of Manning's feelings in view of the 
responsibility of his position as head of the college and 
pastor of the church : — 

Providence, June 5, 1771. 
Reverend and dear Sir : 

Your most agreeable favor of August 10th, 1770, came to hand the 19th 
of January, 1771, after our ships had sailed for London; and conse- 
quently I have had no opportunity of acknowledging tlie receipt of it be- 
fore. There are two ships from this town whicli make two voyages a 
year to London, besides others from the colony, by which letters will have 
a safe conveyance. The captains' names are Shand and Gilbert. I men- 
tion this that there may be the most direct conveyance. 

I thank you for the expressions of kindness and respect in your letter, 
and am as desirous as before to keep up a correspondence as often as op- 
portunity will admit. Mr. Gordon, the gentleman by whom you wrote, has 
never called on me, nor can I hear any direct account of him since his ar- 
rival in America. Your good wishes to the college arc very acceptable, 
and we doubt not your readiness to contribute all in your power to its 
future growth and increase. The popularity, usefulness, etc., of our first 
sons, is to me an object truly desirable ; but these things I leave to the 
wise conduct of the supreme Governor of the church. One of the youth,l 
graduated at our first Commencement, who is thought to be savingly 
brought home by grace, has joined Mr. Thurston's church in Newport, 
and appears eminently pious. As soon as liis age will admit, for he is 
quite a youth, he will be called to the work of the ministry, with hopes of 
his making a distinguished figure in the pulpit. He bears the greatest 
resemblance to Mr. Ilezekiah Smith of any person I knoAv, and I hope 
will make sucii another son of thunder. I am constrained to think that 
Providence placed me at the head of the college ; but for what end I can- 
not divine, I hope for good ; for my ease and worldly advantage it could 

1 William Rogers. 

16 



182 MANNING AND Chap. IV. 

not certainly I)c, for I have been constrained to forego these, and many 
more things desirable in life, on this account ; and in the discharge of my 
office here I have found my Avay strewn with thorns hitherto. 

Dr. Llewelyn's friendship for the college is highly satisfactory to us. 
He has it in his power, and, we have reason to believe, in his heart, to do 
it great service. I should highly prize a correspondence with a gentle- 
man of Ills merit, were a door properly open for it ; but to address him 
with a letter, uninvited, and without particular cause for so doing, might 
be deemed too great forwardness in me. I therefore clioose to defer it at 
present. We were sensibly affected at the news of Mr. R-offey's death, as 
he promised usefulness to the public ; but God can raise up men to carry 
on his own cause, in an unexpected way. The government is upon His 
shoulders ; therefore we ought to rejoice. But nothing gives one such sat- 
isfaction as the account you give me of the success of the gospel in Eng- 
land. I firmly believe there are yet glorious days for the church militant, 
and that the doctrine of believer's baptism will prevail in proportion to 
the prevalence of the religion of the heart. I do not imagine this onhj from 
my own sentiments that it is an important and glorious ordinance of the 
Lord Jesus, but from facts ; for I have observed for some years past tliat 
in this country it has been invarijibly the case where there has been a pow 
erful moving of the Spirit of God upon the minds of men. I will give 
you a recent instance. God has been doing wonders in Virginia and 
North Carolina within these few years past. Thousands have been hope- 
fully converted to God in these two provinces ; and my Brother Gano, who 
travelled through these provinces last summer and fall, informs me that 
not less than two thousand have been baptized by immersion, upon ]n-o- 
fession of their faith. And it has been observed there, that persons were 
no sooner brought into the glorious liberty of the gospel than they fol- 
lowed the example of their Divine Master by going down into the water; 
and that, too, where the name of Baptist was scarcely known. This 
work, I am told, still continues, and extends five hundred miles in length 
through the country. Truly, light has risen to those who were in the re- 
gion and shadow of death ; for when I travelled through that country 
aliout ten years ago, I thouglit as Abraham did of Zoar, that the fear of 
God was not in that place. To me it seemed to be the rendezvous of 
devils. But what cannot God do ? This indeed is all my consolation 
when I view the unpromising appearance of religion in many places, — 
that God not only can, l)ut will work, and none shall let or hinder it. 

There is a gradual increase of the work of religion in sundry places in 



1770-1773. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 183 

New England. Mr. Smith, I am told, is still marvellously owned in his 
labors, and that he was lately called to administer baptism to numbers at 
a distance from where he resides, and to constitute two or three Baptist 
churches. I can say but little of my success in tlic vineyard of the Lord, 
although I hope there are some promising appearances of conviction 
amongst us. The last Lord's Day there appeared an unusual solemnity 
in the assembly, and I trust God enabled me, though a worm, to speak 
with some happy degree of zeal and earnestness in warning souls of their 
danger ; and if flowing eyes may be thought a presage of the return of 
wanderers to God, I am not without hope of some seals of my ministry. 
But alas my unprofitableness ! — my unworthincss to be employed in so 
sacred a work ! If ever one soul is converted by my instrumentality, it 
will clearly appear that the excellency of the power is all of God. 

But I cease to trouble you with my unprofitable complaints, and pro- 
ceed to give you some short account of the dispute between Baptists and 
Presbyterians in the provinces of Massachusetts Bay, New Hampshire, 
and Connecticut ; in the latter of which, I am told, some of our brethren 
are now in jail for ministerial rates, and in the other two many are forci- 
bly despoiled of their property for the same purpose. The Presbyterians, 
I believe, are determined, where they have the power, to use it against us 
to prevent our growth; for no effectual remedy can yet be obtained, 
though it has been carefully and industriously sought. They arc afraid, 
if they relax the secular arm, their tenets have not merit enough and a 
sufficient foundation to stand. This has been so plainly hinted by some 
of the committees of the General Court, upon treating with our people, 
that I think it cannot be deemed a breach of charity to think thus of them. 
However, I will not pretend to justify everything which has been said and 
done by Baptists during this controversy. I fear there has been too great 
warmth in some publications ; yet it is certain that there has been great 
provocation to write and speak some bitter things. However, I am far 
from believing that the cause of God requires acrimony in defending it, 
especially as the great Example of his people " reviled not again when he 
was reviled." Upon the whole, it is very uncertain what will be the issue 
of the matter, whether we must address the throne of our sovereign for 
relief, or not. The contention has been improved as an argument against 
sending scholars from that denomination to our college. How long this 
will continue I know not ; but at present the clergy use all their endeavors 
to this purpose. 

I am glad to hear that there are three Baptists in the trust of Dr. 



184 MANNING AND Chap. IV. 

Moore's fund wlio will see that the money is appropriated according to 
the original proposal ; for our brethren of that denomination need good 
looking after in these matters, if we may judge from -what has happened 
before. 

I suppose you have heard that Dr. Wheelock has obtained a charter for 
a college in the province of New Hampshire, and about twenty thousand 
acres of land as an endowment, from the Governor and other gentlemen 
who are largely concerned in lands there. He has begun his business, and 
carried it forward with great rapidity. In short, from what I c^an gather, 
it is to be a grand Presbyterian college, instead of a school for the poor 
Indians. There were but two Indians there at school last fall, and they 
were Narragansetts from this colony, brought up like us. Moreover, it 
is more than a hundred miles distant from any number of Indians. I 
have conversed with two intelligent gentlemen from that part of the coun- 
try, and, from Avhat I can gather, the money raised in England by 
Whitaker and Oakam will be as greatly prostituted as ever the fund for 
propagating the gospel in foreign parts has been by anotlicr denomination 
of Christians. 

As to political matters, all is peace and quietness with us, though we 
hear that the city of London and the House of Commons have proceeded 
to great lengths in opposing one other, and that the Lord Mayor and Al- 
derman Oliver are committed to the Tower. We arc anxious for tiic re- 
sult of this procedure ; but hope that God will order all matters for the 
best, and bring good out of evil. 

"We now proceed slowly with the college, as our succors from abroad 
fail. I hope we may have some more assistance from Great Britain as 
soon as may be. 

If your patience is not quite gone, permit me to request the favor of a 
letter by our vessels this summer, in which you need not fear trespassing 
upon my patience, though I have reason to fear I have upon yours, and 
therefore subscribe, what I am in truth, dear sir, 

Your very affectionate friend and brother in the Lord, 

James Manning. 

Allusion liavlnGT been made in the foreGfoino; conimunica- 
tion to an effort on the part of the denomination to seek 
redress from their grievances by direct application to the 

king, the following circular 



1770-1773. BROWN" UNIVERSITY. 185 

is presented as a sort of appendix thereto. Aside from its 
value in the connection, it will be read with interest as an 
illustration of the spirit and zeal of our fathers, among 
whom Manning was regarded as a " prince and a leader." 
It has never before, we believe, been printed. 

CIECULAR LETTER OF THE VV^AEREN ASSOCIATION. 1770. 

The Elders and Messengers met in association at Bellingham, September 
11th, 12th, and 13th. To the churches they represent, and all others of 
the denomination of Baptists, send greeting : 

We met in peace, and upon reading the letters from the several churches, 
found that they were generally at peace among themselves, some of them 
having had considerable additions, — the number of which, in all the 
churches, amounts to fifty-six. We find that God hath not left himself 
without a witness, but is still caiTjing on the work of grace in the 
churches. We would not despise the day of small things ; yet at the same 
time desire you to unite in solemn prayer to the great Head of the 
church, that he would hasten the time when converts shall come as the 
clouds, and fly as doves to their windows. Oh happy period, which God 
in his wisdom has given us reason to expect, when the whole world shall 
be filled with the knowledge of the Lord ! We have however to inform 
you, dearly beloved, that some of our churches are sorely oppressed on 
account of religion. Their enemies continue to triumph over them ; and 
as repeated applications have been made to the court of justice and to 
the general courts for redress of such grievances, but as yet have been 
neglected, it is now become necessary to carry the affair to England in 
order to lay it befoi-e the King. It is therefore warmly recommended to 
you to endeavor to collect money to defray the expense which will arise 
from such a proceeding. Should you not contribute in this matter, some 
of our brethren must unavoidably be ruined as to this world ; especially 
our brethren at Ashfield, some of whose lands have been taken from them 
and sold for a trifle. Brethren, make the case your own, and then do as 
you would be done by. We also recommend to you to search for prom- 
ising gifts among yourselves, and bring them to the trial, as there is a 
great want of ministerial help in the churches. In fine, brethren, live in 
love ; preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace ; keep your 
16* 



1B6 MANNING AND Chap. IV. 

garments unsi^otted by the flesh, and may the God of peace and love be 
with you. 

P. S. — The churches are requested to be expeditious in sending their 
contributions to the Rev. Samuel Stillman, of Boston, who is appointed 
treasurer, and to take his receipts. If our agent, Mr. Hezekiah Smith, 
should not go to England, the money will be returned Avheu demanded. 
It is also requested that the churches will unite in keeping the first Thurs- 
day in October next as a day of fasting and prayer, to entreat God to 
fixvor our undertaking to obtain liberty of conscience, and to save our prop- 
erty, and consequently our families, from ruin ; also that He will be gra- 
ciously pleased to revive religion, and to deliver our nation from its pres- 
ent difficulties. 

To his friend the Rev. Hezekiah Smith he thus writes. 
Manning, Edwards, and others, it will be observed, not 
unfrequently use the term Presbyterians for Congregation- 
alists. The two denominations are much more distinct at 
the present day than they were a century ago. 

Newport, May 1, 1771. 
Dear Sir : 

I perceive, by an application made to a neighboring Baptist church, 
that the people in Richmond, in Hampshire Government (I mean tho 
Baptist chux'ch there), are in great distress on account of the taxes for the 
clergy ; and so are the Baptists in sundry other to^Yns thereabouts. Tlie 
charter gave a farm to the first settled minister in that town ; and Mr. Ba- 
low, the Baptist minister, was the first, though a Friend speaker was there 
before him. Now the Friends have united with the Presbyterians, and 
voted the farm for tlic use of the town. Upon the whole they seem 
troubled much, and some are likely to be totally ruined by the Presbyte- 
rians. Now if you can lend any aid or assistance, you will do them a sin- 
gular favor; and I have been urged to write to you, that, if possible, you 
might make interest with the Governor, or some of tho great men, to re- 
dress these grievances. I received a letter from Mr. Edwards, dated 
March, which informs me that he has a law of New Hampshire which 
obliges the Baptists to pay their ministers, — that is, Presbyterian minis- 
ters, — and he is greatly afraid they will fall into the snare. Pray do your 
utmost to prevent the Baptists from taking the benefit of that law ; for tho 



1770-1773. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 187 

Presbyterians will triumph in that case. Mr. Rogers, the bearer, will 
give YOU information of my affairs, and other matters in these parts ; so 
that nothing remains but to desire you with Mrs. Smith to pay us a visit 
soon, to whom with yourself I give my sincere love, and remain, sir, 
Your very loving friend, 

James Manning. 

The following letter was the commencement of a corres- 
pondence with the Rev. John Ryland, of Nortliampton, 
England, for many years principal of a flourishing acade- 
my in that place. Mr. Ryland was a distinguished scholar 
as well as a Baptist preacher, and was held in high esteem 
by Dr. Johnson and other eminent men of his time. He 
published " Contemplations on the Beauties of Creation," 
in three volumes octavo, "Essay on the Advancement of 
Learning," and various sermons and pamphlets. He died 
in 1792. 

Pkovidencb, June 1, 1771. 
Reverend Sir : 

By the Rev. Morgan Edwards, last year, I was directed to draw upon 
you, the first of June, for five guineas, which you proposed to contribute 
annually to the support of the President of Rhode Island College during 
life, if your circumstances would admit of it. I drew accordingly in 
favor of Messrs. Joseph and William Russell, merchants of Providence ; 
and, according to my instructions, have done the like this year, in favor 
of the same gentlemen. 

Your zeal for the welfare of this young seminary, discovered in this as 
well as many other instances, has gained you the high esteem of all the 
true friends of the college here ; but the particular favor done me herein 
has laid me under the strongest obligations of gratitude, of which I hope 
not to be unmindful, in any instance, when in my power to express a 
proper sense of them ; and at present I can only do this by the strong- 
est expressions of thankfulness, and fervent prayer to God that he would 
abundantly reward your beneficence in this and in the life to come. 

I was particularly obliged in your favoring me with the patterns of the 
regular Greek and Latin nouns and verbs, etc., and find it the most easy 
method of leadhig boys into a general notion of grammar in a short time. 
The college in this place consists of twenty-three youths, five of whom are 



188 MANNING AND Chap. IV. 

to leave us in the fall ; thougli we hope to have some additions at that 
time. The institution calls for the vigorous exertions of all its friends, as 
well on account of the smallness of its funds as the unreasonable opposi- 
tion made against it by Pedobaptists ; especially the New England Pres- 
byterians in general, who express the greatest bitterness on every occasion. 
The part I have had to act in the matter has exposed me to numberless 
difficulties hitherto ; although I am cheerful under the hopes of its rising, 
at some future period, to be the joy of its friends and the denomination, 
as well as the mortification of its ungenerous enemies. The state of reli- 
gion in New England is at a low ebb in general, except a few places, 
amongst which Mr. Stillmaii's of Boston is one, where there have been 
lately large additions to the church. Should there be any gentlemen of 
your acquaintance in England on whom diplomas might be well bestowed, 
we should always be glad to be advised thereof, and confer them accord- 
ingly. Forgive this unsolicited scrawl, and believe that it had its birth 
in the unfeigned gratitude and real friendship of, sir. 

Your humble servant, 

James Manning. 
To this letter Ryland thus replies : — 

To MY WORTHY Friend, Mr. James Manning, 

President of Rhode Island College : 

Reverend and dear Sir : — I received your letter in due course by 
the post from London, and took care to pay your draft on me for £5 5s. 
when it came for payment, which it did in the beginning of December. 
Where it lodged all that time after you drew it, I know not. 

Be assured that I have the interests of your college deeply at my iieart ; 
and in order to serve it I have picked out the enclosed list of scholars, for 
whom I solicit some of your academical feathers, to the end that wo may 
attach as great a number of active and learned men to your seminary as 
we can. Who knows but some of them may do you more service in the 
long run than we can at present imagine ? I am determined to send over 
some names evei-y year as long as I live ; but be assured I shall not rec- 
ommend one that shall be a dishonor to your college, if I know it. 

Have you had a short account of the ministers and churclies of the Bap- 
tist denomination in England ? If not I shall take care to send it. At 
present I would just observe that we have about two hundred and fourteen 
churches and ministers. About twenty-four ministers, perhaps twenty-six, 
can read the original languages in which the Bible was written. Amongst 



1770-1773. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 189 

them I have a' sou (John), nineteen years of age, who was called to the 
ministry last year. He read his Greek Testament into English all through 
before he was nine years old, and is very ready at Hebrew, Latin, and 
French. Grace called him at fourteen years of age. I baptized him when 
he was about fifteen, and we received him into the church. He proves a 
good, zealous boy, and the people of God love to hear him preach. He 
has ventured to publish a volumcof poems on experimental religion, the 
whole edition of which, five hundred, has gone off in less than a year. If 
I can procure a copy, I will send you one for your public library. Per- 
haps it may be a stimulus to some lazy student on your side of the water. 
My opinion, I am persuaded, is the same with yours, " that young boys 
and students need all sorts of motives to keep them in a steady, regular, 
resolute pursuit of learning and religion," and for this purpose academi- 
cal honors were wisely instituted ; and 'tis for this reason I desire for 
my brethren in the ministry who desire it the honors of your college, in 
order to incite others to the same diligence. I am sorry to say it, but 'tis 
too true, that above one hundred and seventy Baptist ministers in England 
have been kept from reading the Hebrew Bible and Greek Testament 
more by laziness and cowardice than by the difficulty of attaining it. I 
want to rouse these sluggards into diligence, and for that purpose I ear- 
nestly beg your assistance. 

N. B. — Out of ten thousand clergy, we have seventy or eiglity that 
preach the gospel. The Presbyterians are almost all gone oflf to Socini- 
anism. We have a few in London that are excellent men ; namely, Dr. 
Langford, Dr. Trotter, Geo. Stephens A.M., Mr. Hunter, and the Eev. 
Mr. Spilsbury. I cannot at present give you an exact list of our Inde- 
pendent ministers in London and the country, but shall try to send you 
an account. Let me be sure to hear from you four times a year ; that 
is to say, once every quarter. 

WORTHY MEN OF LEARNING AND CHARACTER WHO DESERVE THE 
HONORS OF RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE. 

I. Oif THE Established Church of England. 

1. Augustus Montague Toplady, A.B., Rector of 
Broad Hemburg, Devon. 

2. Henry Foster, A.B., Curate to the Rev. Mr. Ro- 
maine. 

3. John Newton, Curate of Olney ; a man of uncom- 
mon wisdom, and a fine writer. 



These are 

most excellent 

men as 

scholars 

and divines. 



190 MANNING AND Chap. IV. 

II. Independents. 

1. "William Porter, minister in Camomile Street. 

2. John Stafford, successor to Dr. Guise. 

3. John Pye, minister at Sheffield, Yorkshire. 

4. WiLLiA3i Hextall, successor to Dr. Doddridge, at Northampton. 

5. Moses Gregson, at Rowell, Northamptonshire. 

6. Joshua Symmonds, at Bedford. Preaches in John Bunyan's pulpit. 

7. Rev. James Jennings, at Islington, near London. 

8. Samuel Wilton, at Tooting, in Surrey. 

III. Takticular Baptists. 

1. Robert Day, of Wellington, Somersetshire. 

2. John Broavn, of Kettering, Northamptonshire. 

3. John Ash, of Pershore, Worcestershire. 

4. John Poynting, of Worcester. 

5. Benjamin Fuller, of Devizes, Wiltshire. (An old, rich, learned 

man, that can leave £100 to the college.) 

6. John Oulton, of Rawdon, in Yorkshire.^ 

The " bitterness " of the Congregationalists of New 
England towards the college, to which Manning alludes, 
and their " unreasonable opposition " to it from its begin- 
ning, are illustrated in the following extract from a letter 
addressed to him by his friend Morgan Edwards. The 
writer supposes the President to have expected the friend- 
ship and help of the Congregationalists, had not the Bap- 
tists complained of the oppression of their brctliren in New 
England, and threatened to carry their comi)laints to the 
throne of the King, in case the oj)prcssion should be con- 

iThe seventeen names m<jntioned in the above list all received the honor- 
ary degree of A.M. at the annual Commeiicenient of the collet^e in 1773 and in 
1774. (See Triennial Catalo;?ue.) It docs not, however, appear Ihat Mr. Kyland's 
good wishes in rc^'ard to the benefit which the college might (hereby derive 
were ever realized, at least to any great extent. The unhappy feeling engendered 
by the war of the Revolution was, probably, the cause of this apparent neglect 
or indifTerence. 



1770-1773. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 191 

tinned. The letter, which is published in Staples's Annals 
of Providence, is a brief recapitulation of facts already- 
stated in other forms. Mr. Edwards was evidently accus- 
tomed to express his opinions without reserve, and some- 
times, perhaps, with a little too much pungency. 

" I should not have ventured to oppose my opinions to yours, had not 
facts, recent facts, decided the matter in my favor, and shown that the 
goodness and candor of the President have imposed on his judgment. 
Remember you not the first charter ? While the Baptist college was yet 
in embryo they very disingenuously oppf)sed it, as such, and contrived to 
make it their own ; since which disappointment Dr. Stiles wou'd have 
nothing to do with it, though courted again and again to accept even a 
fellowship therein. And when the present charter was pi-esented to the 
Assembly at South Kingston, remember you not what clamor they raised 
against it there ? And what stout opposition they made to the passage 
of it, insomuch that its friends thought it best to desist ? And how they 
triumphed afterwards ? And when the affair was brought on again at 
East Greenwich, the next session, you can never forget with what heat 
and coarse expression the same oppositions were renewed, nor the morti- 
fication and murmurings which the passing of it occasioned. It is true, 
while the charter lay dormant they remained easy, and, as you say, appeared 
well pleased when you had set it on foot at Warren. But the reason of 
that is obvious. They knew that while the college stood friendless and 
moneyless, as it then did, they should have the pleasure to see it fall, and 
to mock those who began to build a tower and were not able to finish it. 
But seemed they good-humored when money came thither from Europe ? 
or did they look as the man of Bristol did, at your first Commencement, 
and put the saine invidious construction upon everything that he did on 
the complaisance you showed him that day 1 Their good affection toward 
the college edifice was but varnisli ; for while with specious arguments 
they would have it here, and anon there, and then in another place, they 
were only working to* prevent it being anywhere ; and soon as it had a 
locality and the beginning of its existence, at Providence, did they not, 
with some misled Baptists, attempt to get another college, to destroy 
yours, and actually carried their design through the lower house 1 This 
also failing, wliat remains but to prevent youth from resorting to it ? Their 
slandering the officers of instruction, as insufficient ; the town where it is 



192 MANNING AND Chap. IV. 

in, as a lawless jDlace ; the college, as wanting government ; their repre- 
senting it as a nest of Anabaptists, calculated to make proselytes ; their 
visiting grammar schools and tampering with masters and parents ; their 
scolding Presbyterian youth when they enter with you, as your -neighbor 
Rowley did, who is capable of nothing but what is gross and indelicate ; 
then- refusing to pay their subscriptions, etc., — are all intended to hurt 
what they could neither prevent nor destroy. Think you that their pres- 
ent opposition to the college is the eflfect of those newspaper complaints 
and threatenings of Presbyterian oppression in New England 1 "Why, 
then, did they oppose it before those complaints and threatenings had ex- 
istence? Think you they will be friends should we desist from these 
complaints and court their favor 1 It cannot be, except God should once 
teach them to love their neighbors as themselves, and do as they would 
be done by. Destroying the Baptist college will pacify them, and noth- 
ing else. The existence of that on the hill of Providence is a Mordecai 
in the gate. I told you, long ago, that if you could not do without the 
Presbyterians, you could not do at all. I need not inform you that I deal 
in generals. I except the honest, the trusty, and the good, and some such 
Presbyterians I have met with, in their connections with this college. 
God send us more, and mend the rest." 

These ecclesiastical oppressions, and this sectarian bit- 
terness towards tlie college, have all passed away, and are 
now forgotten ; if occasionally recalled to remembrance, 
it is only in the spirit of kindness, as impressive admoni- 
tions to the fuller exercise of that charity which "bearetli 
all things." As matters of history, they must of necessity 
appear conspicuous in any faithful account of the life and 
correspondence of Manning. They unveil, it is true, 
scenes of intolerance and persecution, which the enemies 
of religion may view with impious delight. On this point 
we may be allowed to (piote the remarks of Professor 
Knowles, in his j)reface to the Memoir of Roger Williams. 
"Wc must not," he says, "in order to promote or defend 
religion, attempt to conceal events which history has 
already recorded, and much less to palliate conduct which 



1770-1773. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 193 

we cannot justify. Let us rather confess, with frankness 
and humility, our own faults, and those of our fathers ; 
learn wisdom from past errors ; and bring ourselves and 
others, as speedily as possible, to the adoption of those 
j)ure principles by which alone Christianity can be sus- 
tained and diffused. The book of God records, among its 
salutary lessons, the mistakes and sins of good men." 

On Wednesday, Sept. 4, 1771, was celebrated the third 
anniversary Commencement, at which six young men took 
their Bachelor degrees. From the account of this Com- 
mencement in the Promdence Gazette^ we present an ab- 
stract of the President's address : — 

"A concise, pertinent charire was then delivered to the graduates, by 
the President ; in which, besides many useful instructions and cautions, 
he remarked that tliis institution, though liberal and catholic in its foun- 
dation and government, despising the contracted views of a party, aim- 
ing at the good of mankind in general, and always studious to maintain a 
good agreement and harmony with others of the like nature, had not been 
so happy as to pass altogether Avithout censure ; and that not only from 
the ignorant and pedantic, but even fi-om some of those whose friendship 
it has sought, and would highly esteem, could it consistently be obtained. 
He concluded by requesting their friendship and kind offices to that semin- 
ary of learning in which they had received their education ; and with 
great energy exhorted them that if they could not, by their joint testimony 
of the generous, free, and impartial manner in which they had been treated 
in the coarse of their studies, silence the unreasonable clamors of igno- 
rance and enmity, to give the world the same kind of proof of the useful- 
ness of the institution which some of its first sons now do, who fill public 
stations with honor to themselves and advantage to mankind." 

Among the graduates this year was Samuel Ward, son 
of Governor Ward, who, at the age of eighteen, com- 
manded a company, under Arnold, through the wilderness 
of Maine to Quebec. He served with reputation in the 
army during the Revolutionary War, attaining to the 
17 



194 MANNING AND Chap. IV. 

rank of lieutenant-colonel. Another graduate was Thomas 
Ustick, who was for many years the esteemed pastor of the 
Baptist church in Philadelphia, having succeeded the Rev. 
Dr. William Rogers. 

The following letter, addressed to Thomas Llewelyn, 
LL.D., presents an idea of the condition and prospects of 
the college, and especially of the library, at this timc\ It 
affords an illustration of the author's skill in urging the 
claims of the institution over which he presided upon tlie 
attention of strangers of reputed benevolence and wealtli. 
Mr. Llewelyn was a distinguished Cambro-British scholar 
of London. He ]mblished,in 1708, a History of the Welsh 
Versions of the Bible, and, in the following year, " Histor- 
ical and Ci-itical Remarks on the British Tongue." LTe 
died on the 7th of August, 1783, bequeathing to the Bris- 
tol Academy, where he pursued his early studies, his large 
and valuable library. Dr. Gibbons was accustomed, says 
Rippon, to speak of him " as the first scholar among the 
Protestant Dissenters." 

Providence, Feb. 21, 1772. 
Dear Sir : 

I am emboldened to address you, botli from the recommcndatiou of 
Dr. Stcnnett to do so, and from my knowledge of your friendship to the 
college in this town, of which you would doubtless be glad to know the 
state. 

The college edifice is erected on a most beautiful eminence, in the neigh- 
borhood of Providence, commanding a most charming and variegated 
prospect; a large, neat brick building, and so far comjjleted as to receive 
the students, who now reside there, the whole number of whom is twenty- 
two. We have tlic ijrosjicct of further additions; yet our numbers will 
probably be small until we are better furnished with a library and pliilo- 
sopliical apparatus. At pi-csent we have but about two hundred and fifty 
volumes, and these not well chosen, bei ug such as our friends could best 
spare. Our apparatus consists of a ])air of globes, two microscopes, aiul 
an electrical machiue ; to tliis we are desirous of makin<>- the addition of 



1770-1773. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 1^J5 

an air pump, if one reputable can be purchased for £22 10s. sterling; a 
sum which two young men informed me they intended to give towards an 
apparatus or library. If, therefore, it would not be too much trouble to 
inform me whether or not that sum is sufficient, I siiall receive it as a 
particular favor ; for if not, we shall appropriate it to some other use. 

Our whole college fund consists of about £900 sterling, being tlie 
whole sum collected abroad ; for no money collected without the colony 
is made use of in the building, but solely applied to endowing it, with the 
strictest regard to the donor's intent. The interest of this sum is quite 
insufficient to provide for tuition, as two of us are now employed, and we 
stand in need of further help. May we not expect some further assistance 
from our friends in England? or must we conclude that the Baptists, 
only, are inattentive, to their own cause, while seminaries of other denom- 
inations have the highest reason to extol their generosity? or is it be- 
cause we use less industry to promote our common cause than others ? 
If so, what might another personal application to England do on this 
"head, could we find a person among us, of public spirit, who could forego 
the mortification of a beggar, etc. ? Mr. Edwards happened in England 
at a most unfavorable juncture, or we should have expected far better 
success. If you imagine anything considerable can be done, we shall 
strive hard to obtain some person for this purpose ; if not, permit me to 
solicit your interest, where you may be able to serve the cause. We have 
had the earliest proofs of your regard for the infant college, and retain a 
grateful sense of your unsought favors. 

I shall take pleasure in communicating any intelligence in my power, 
whenever you please to lay your commands. My present situation is 
such as will furnish me with a general acquaintance with the state of the 
Baptist society in America, especially as I have travelled through the 
greatest part, and hold correspondence with some in almost all the prov- 
inces. 

The ship by which this comes is bound directly back to Providence ; and 
being owned by a zealous friend of the college, any books, or other things, 
should there be anything to send from any of our friends, would not only 
come directly, but free from the expense which might otherwise attend 
them. 

The jealous eye Avith which other denominations of Christians behold 
this infiint seminary leaves us without hope of any assistance from any 
but Baptists ; and I think if we could but unite, and the whole body lend 
a hclinug hand, we should be able, without great difficulty, to rear the 



196 MANNING AND Chap. IV. 

tender plant to a degree of maturity which might greatly subserve the 
cause of religion, especially in our society. 

Craving your indulgence for giving you this interruption, and sincerely 
wishing you every felicity in this and a future world, I remain, dear sir. 
Your unworthy brother and servant in the gospel, 

James Manning. 

TO THE REV. JOHN EYLAND. 

Providence, May 19, 1772. 
Reverend and dear Sir : 

On the 5th ult. I received your letter, as I judged from the contents, 
for it had neither your name nor any date to it. The contents gave me 
very great pleasure on various accounts, — as a testimony of your regard 
for me, the college, and the cause of religion in general, and especially 
for the zeal you discover in promoting the Baptist interests. The list of 
names you sent me shall be laid before the Faculty next September, and 
without doubt they will receive the honors of the college. We shall also 
be obliged to you for your proposed favor of sending us some names every 
year, and such, too, as are Avorthy of honor. I saw a paragraph in a 
letter to Rev. Isaac Backus, from Rev. Benjamin Wallin, of London, in 
which he intimated we had conferred degrees on some on your side of 
the water who would not do us honor. I shall therefore rely on you to 
pay particular regard to the literary qualifications of those whom you rec- 
ommend, in order that our enemies may not have it in their power to re- 
proach us on this head. I thank you for the hint given me concerning the 
number of our ministers and churches in Britain, and your offer of send- 
ing me a short account of them, which I have not seen. If there should 
be more than one on hand, it would gratify some of our friends if I could 
supply them. The present of the volume of poems will be very accepta- 
ble. Please to give my cordial love to the author, of whom I shall be 
mindful amongst others who deserve the honors of the college. I hope 
you will be happy in seeing him not only a faithful but successful laborer 
in Christ's vineyard. You may assure yourself that I will contribute all 
in my power to assist in "rousing the sluggards," etc. If the Presbyte- 
rians have let go tlic faitli, I hope it is to promote the primitive ordinances 
of the gospel under the direction of a wise Providence. I think this has 
been and now is the case in New England ; for many of the good i)eo. 
pie are following Christ into the water, who before quieted their con- 
sciences by the example of the fathers now with God ; but they cannot find 



1770-1773. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 197 

the same reason when they view the clergy of the present age. In short, if 
you hear of a work of God's Spirit among the Presbyterians of New Eng- 
land, you will soon hear that a Baptist minister is applied to to baptize 
them. God has been and is still doing marvellous things, in the outpour- 
ing of his Spirit on some of our churches ; especially in Boston, Dighton, 
Rhehoboth, Swanzey, in the Bay Government, and in Warren, of this 
colony,under the ministry of Mr. Charles Thompson, one of the first class 
that graduated at this college. I am told that near three hundred have 
been baptized in these places since last September. Mr. William Rogers, 
a member also of the same class, about twenty-one years of age, has been 
called to the ministry, and is preaching in Philadelphia, where God ap- 
pears to own his labors to admiration. He is a pious, warm Christian, 
and a very popular preacher in that city. All these things encourage me 
to believe that God regards this college with a favorable eye ; especially 
as I have reason to hope that he has called by grace some who are now in 
college, since they came here, while others appear to be hopefully anxious 
about their salvation. 

I shall make free to draw on you again the 1st of June, by Mr. Edwards's 
instruction, and continue to do so yearly until you forbid me. What 
think you of an application to England, by some suitable person, in order 
to augment our little and insufficient fund, as Mr. Edwards made but a 
partial application ; or would a well-concerted scheme of a lottery ^ to raise 
£1000 or £2000 sterling meet with encouragement by the sale of tickets 
in England? Some method must be adopted, unless some generous, able 
benefactors should arise to assist us. I shall write frequently and long ; 
and if you will do the same to me, you will greatly oblige, 

Yours, etc., 

James Manning. 

1 Suggested perhaps by Mr. Manning's familiarity with the history of the Col- 
lege of Kew Jersey, the funds of which institution had been increased by lot- 
teries which tlie legislatures of Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey had 
granted for this purpose. Ilarvard and Yale Colleges, it may be added, were 
also aided by lotteries, the former even as recently as the year 1808. To show 
how common were lotteries in Rhode Island at this time, it may be stated, that, 
in the space of twenty-seven years, from 1752 to 1779, no less than fifty-four were 
granted by the General Assembly for the building of churches, parsonages, 
schoolhouses, bridges, streets, wharves, etc., as we find by looking over the " Co- 
lonial llecords." 

For a very interesting account of lotteries in behalf of the Rev. Dr. Hopkins's 
church in Newport, the reader is referred to Prof. Park's Memoir of the Life 
and Character of Dr. Hopkins, pp. 113, 114. 
17* 



198 MANNING AND Chap. IV. 

From the following notice, which was published in the 
Providence Gazette, it appears that President Manning 
still retained charge of the l^atin school, it being without 
doubt the same which he commenced at Warren eiaht 
years j^revious to this date. Thus, in addition to his labors 
as pastor of the church and President of the college, he 
was engaged in teaching lads, directly or otherwise, the 
elements of knowledge, and in furnishing them, as also the 
college students, with school books, " at the lowest rate." 



Whereas several gentlemen have requested me to take and educate then- 
sons, this may inform them, and others disposed to put their children 
under my care, that the Latin school^ is now removed, and set up in the 
college edifice ; where proper attention sliall be given, by a master duly 
qualified, and those found to be the most effectual methods to obtain a 
competent knowledge of grammar, steadily pursued. At the same time, 
spelling, reading, and speaking English with propriety, will be particularly 
attended to. Any who choose their sons should board in commons, may 
be accommodated at the same rate Avith the students, — six shillings per 
week being the price. And I flatter myself that such attention will be 
paid to their learning and morals as will entirely satisfy all who may send 
their children. All books for the school, as well as the classical authors 
read in college, may be had, at the lowest rate, of the subscriber. 

James Manning. 

Providence, July 10, 1772. 



1 Where tlic Latin school was kept previous to this date we cannot positively 
state ; it is, however, more than probable that it was in one of the chambers of 
the brick schoolhouse ou Meeting Street. The other chamber, as has already 
been stated, was occupied by the ofhccrs and students of the college. This 
schoolhouse, as ai)pears from Staples's Annals of Trovidence, was built during 
the year 17G8, partly by the town, and partly by subscription. By this compound 
arraugement the town owned the lower story, while the upper story was owned 
by the subscribers, among whom the friends and guardians of the college were 
largely represented. As we have remarked in a previous chapter, this school, 
commenced by Manning at Warren in 17G4, was for a long time connected with 
the college or university. In 1810 the corporation erected a brick building for 
its accommodation, at an expense of liltecn hundred dollars. 



1770-1773. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 199 

The following letter, addressed to Mr. Ryland, under 
date of N'ov. 12, 1772, gives an account of the greatest do- 
nation the library had at that time received ; namely, the 
works of Dr. Gill the distinguished commentator, and fifty- 
two folio volumes of the Fathers, presented through Dr. 
Gill's executors. From this letter we also learn the inter- 
esting fact that Manning's salary as President of the col- 
lege was a little less than £G8 sterling, or about three 
hundred and forty dollars. His salary as pastor of the 
church, according to Morgan Edwards, was £50. Whether 
this was £50 sterling or lawful money we cannot tell; 
probably the latter. This would make the sum total of 
compensation for all his services about five hundred dol- 
lars. 

Reverend and dear Sir : 

I have not received an answer to mine of May 1 9th, 1772, yet am not 
willing to let this opportunity pass without a line. The Faculty conferred 
the degree of A.M., at our last Commencement, on your son, the Rev. 
John Ryland, Jun. ; but through my hurry, and absence from home since 
Commencement, I have not got his diploma written, and must therefore 
omit sending it until my next. Those other gentlemen you mentioned 
did not receive their degrees ; the Faculty chose to know whether they 
have been consulted personally, and wish to receive the honors of our 
college ; otherwise it might do us hurt instead of service. What sug- 
gested this reflection, in part, was a paragraph in a letter from Mr. Wallin 
of London to Mr. Backus, which I saw, in which he seemed to insinuate 
that we had been too lavish of our honors. If these gentlemen would ac- 
cept diplomas from us, we should give them with pleasure ; but we do not 
choose to give them to those who would not thank us for them, as I 
think has been the case with some even on your side of tlie water. 

With this I send you a catalogue of those who have received the hon- 
ors of the college from the first. Our last Commencement, I believe, ac- 
quired us considerable reputation amongst the literati in New England ; 
and had we not to combat with the inveterate enmity of the New England 
clergy, it would have added to the number of our scholars ; but they take 



200 MANNING AND Chap. IV. 

unwearied pains to prevent any from coming if possible, and do not stick 
at the method of carrying their points ; but, thank God, they don't govern 
the world. 

Last month I returned from a journey through the western provinces, 
as far as Philadelphia. I found religion at an ebb in those churches in 
general, as is the case through the most of New England. Virginia is still 
in a flame, and hundreds are hopefully turning to God. I attended the 
Association at New York, and we had a very comfortable season. I here- 
with send you an Association letter. 

I should be glad to know in what sense you give the five guineas 
which I have been directed to call upon you for annually. The reason 
is this : I have always rendered an account of it to the corporation as a 
part of my salary from the college, which is £67 13s. 4d. sterling, annu- 
ally, and some of the members have found fault with me for so doing, 
alleging that, as my salary is inadequate, I ought to consider it as a free 
gift, or so much over the above sum ; but this I would by no means do 
without an explicit account of your intention in the donation, according 
to which I shall be governed, and therefore I pray you to resolve me in 
this matter. 

By the last ship we received the works of the great and good Dr. Gill, 
with fifty-two folio volumes of the Fathers, etc., the gift of Messrs. George 
Keith and John Gill, the Doctor's executors. This is by far the greatest 
donation our little library has yet had ; but I hope their generous example 
will be followed by others on your side of the Atlantic. Do you think it 
would be worth while for an American Indian, as we are generally deemed, 
to visit England, on the errand of collecting some more money for our 
college ? For we really need it. I have been mentioned, if my place in 
the interim could be supplied, for this purpose, provided the prospect 
promised anything worth while. But the inattention of the Baptists to 
their own interests disheartens me greatly. 

I have written two letters to Dr. Stennctt since I have had an answer, 
and I am afraid I have tired that good man with my nonsense, and 
that my letters have been mislaid or intercepted. Pray, have you heard 
of the Doctor's being addressed by Dr. Chaunccy, of Boston, with a 
design to alienate him from the cause of the New England Baptists, by 
sending him reproachful accounts of them? I was told by one of our 
brethren this was suspected to be the case, from some extraordinary steps 
taken by tiiat society. If that should be the case I should be glad to 
know; and if you are intimate with the Doctor, you may probably know 



1770-1773. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 201 

through him. A minister of reputation gave me this hint but a few days 
past, or I would not have mentioned it, supposing them incapable of so 
low an artifice. I am told another ^ of my first class is to preach on trial 
next Lord's Day, which will make three of that class in the ministry. 
"With great respect, I am, sir, yours to serve, 

James Manning. 



RYLAND S REPLY. 

Northampton, Feb. 9, 1773. 
Reverend and dear Sir : 

I have enclosed a few hints for your notice and consideration. If they 
are of any service to you, or to the cause of religion and to your college 
of learning, I shall be glad. 

I have, in the midst of the cares of a family of about sixty persons, 
thrown out some thoughts concerning matters before us ; and as you know 
I bear you a hearty good-v,'ill, I am not in any pain how you may re- 
ceive and relish them. If you are that man of sense and honor I con- 
ceive you to be, you will like my blunt friendship better than drivelling 
flattery and nauseous palaver. ( Vei-ba sit nenia ; for it is not in Dr. Sam. 
Johnson's Dictionary. ) 

I have filled a whole sheet of post-demy paper, so that you have rough 
and enough. The pamphlets and sheets which accompany this are a 
present to yourself, unless you think it worth while to put them in your 
college library, or in the fire, just as you please. 

If you like my mode of correspondence, and take everything in good 
part, I shall soon hear from you. I am to you, and to the interests of 
religion and learning under your care, 

A hearty and zealous friend, 

John Ryland. 

ryland's hints for prof, manning's use. 

1. In January, 1772, 1 sent a box of twenty-five books to the Rev. Mor- 
gan Edwards, at Philadelphia, by the favor and care of Mr. Daniel Rob- 
erdean, merchant, who was then in London, and abode at my old lodgings, 
Mrs. Stephens's, No. 11, in Great St. Hellcn's; and was about to return 

» The Rev. William Williams. 



202 MANNING AND Chap. IV. 

to America. In a letter to Mr. Edwards I desired him to present some 
of those books to Rhode Ishmd College, but liave heard nothing from him, 
nor have you mentioned one word about the books. 

2. Mr. Wallin had no right to reproach your college as being too lavish 
of its honors, unless he meant himself, and himself only. 

3. For me to ask any of those gentlemen I nominated in my letter, 
whether he would please to accept of a degree from your college, would 
spoil all the honor and delicacy of conferring it. Its coming unsoxi'jht, yea 
unthour/ht of, constitutes its chief excellence and acceptableness to men of 
fine feelings. For my own part, I would not haA'e given you a single 
farthing, or so much as a thanks, for a feather, if I had it not in my power 
with the utmost truth to say,. "I neither sought it, nor bought it, nor 
thought for a moment about it " (Dr. Gill's saying on having his diploma 
from Scotland). 

4. By your withholding these honors from the men I so well knew to 
deserve them, and not one would have refused them, you have done your 
college damage in its temporal interests. My design was to serve you by 
attaching men of grace, learning, property, and influence to you. But if 
you do not choose it in my way, it shall be let alone ; for I assure you I 
never will ask one man whilst I live to accept of a degree. 

I could find men enough in Britain that have learning sufficient, who 
would snap, at your honors for the sake of some low ends and purposes ; 
but their characters as divines, or their capacity or will to serve you, is 
nothing. In truth, I keep no such company. I form no connection with 
them, nor will I whilst I live. On the other hand, the Rev. Augustus Top- 
lady is the first divine of the Established Church, or indeed of any church 
in England or in Europe. He is a man of fortune, of high genius, and 
learning. He is my intimate friend ; and let me tell you, as a secret, of a 
mark of his regard for me. He put it to my choice, in ease of his death 
before me, which part of his library I would have, the English, or the 
Latin and learned part. I chose the latter, and it is accordingly fixed. 
But I hope I shall never have the pain to accept tiiem. He is a man of a 
prodigiously high spirit by nature, but 'tis so tempered and moderated by 
grace, and a noble and generous disposition, as renders him one of tlie 
boldest champions for the sublime truths of the gospel in the world. We 
have no writer amongst all our divines that comes near to him in energy 
and grandeur of thought, rich and daring imagination, masculine judg- 
ment, and glowing colors of style. He is a])out twenty-nine or thirty 
years old, but ha.s ]>ven educated, from sixteen years of age, in all tlie grand 



1770-1773. BROV/N UNIVERSITY. 203 

essentials of the gospel. lie had his classical education at Westminster 
School, and his academical at the University of Dublin ; owing to an es- 
tate falling to his mother in Ireland, and she being obliged to go over and 
possess it, she took her only son, at sixteen, with her. Dr. Thos. Leiand 
was his tutor. But he had the good sense and piety to go to the Baptist 
meeting on Lord's Days to hear an able preacher, now dead, his name 
Rutherford ; and every year, when Mr. Toplady came over to England, he 
had the boldness and wisdom to sit under the stated ministry of Dr. Gill. 
He is a generous friend to Dissenters, especially to us poor Baptists. He 
commenced A.B. at Dublin. He scorns all honors, unless conferred like 
grace from heaven, — " unthought of, unimplored." 

My other friends are of the same complexion ; therefore I will never ask 
one of them to accept of a feather from your college. Mr. Isaac Wood- 
man, of Sutton in Leicestershire, is a prince in his spirit and conduct. He 
is the father of our Midland Association, and a wise counsellor to us all. 
He has such a degree of modesty that he will not wear the feather you 
sent him, and wishes not to have it kno\\Ti on this side of the water. But 
what then ? Has he done you any damage or dishonor 1 No. All that 
know him will revere him as a man of wisdom, benevolence, and learning 
in the Greek language and philosophy. As to damage, I will tell you. 
He is a man of substance, and has a fine library ; he has no children ; and 
you will have half, if not the whole, for your college when he dies. Will 
this hurt you ? Perhaps some money into the bargain. And thus I should 
have attached others to your interests ; but you would not let me, in your 
wisdom. Just as if you knew men here better than I do, who have lived 
forty years amongst them. As to the five guineas I pay every year, 'tis 
for yourself and nobody else. 'Tis because I like your character, spirit, 
and principles. If you die, and another succeed you whom I should not 
approve, I will stop my hand. 

As to raising money by a lottery, I dislike it from the bottom of my 
heart. 'Tis a scheme dishonorable to the supreme Head of all worlds 
and of the ti-ue church. We have our fill of these cursed gambling lot- 
teries in London every year. They are big with ten thousand evils. Let 
the devil's children have them all to themselves. Let us not touch or 
taste. 

I sent two books to the Rev. Mr. Stillman, at Boston, last summer, by 
Mr. Story, of Boston. One of the books is a present to the library of your 
college. It is entitled " An Easy Introduction to Sh- Isaac Newton's 
Philosophy." It was written by one of the clearest and most condescend- 



204 MANNING AND Chap. IY. 

ing good-natured philosophers in tlie world for the use of iny school, Mr. 
James Ferguson, FcIIoav of the Royal Society. 'Tis adapted to your 
school-boys and junior students, to prepare them for larger treatises on the 
same subjects. I should be glad to find it meet with the approbation of 
your learned Professor of Philosophy. 

Agreeably to Ryland's suggestiob, the college the fol- 
lowing year conferred on the Rev. Augustus Toplady the 
honorary degree of A.M. Mr. Toplady's works have been 
published in six octavo volumes, with an account of his 
life. To the Christian public he is known as the author 
of "Rock of ages cleft for me," and "Deathless spirit, now 
arise," regarded by many as two of the finest hymns in the 
English language. 

TO THE EEV. DE. STENNETT. 

Providence, Nov. 13, 1772. 
Reverend and dear Sir : 

As I have sent two or three letters since receiving one from you, I should 
not now Avritc, as I have nothing of importance to communicate, had 
not the Rev. Isaac Backus, of Middleborough, requested me, on the follow- 
ing account: He has been up to Ashfield not long since, and found that 
the Congregational clergy there, as well as elsewhere, have been very busy 
in collecting all the scandalous reports they can hear of ; and as they think, 
from some circumstances, sending them to Dr. Chauncey, of Boston, in 
order to transmit the same to you, to prevent you from interesting your- 
self in their cause. I confess this is a suggestion which would seem to 
flow from a bad heart, destitute of charity, to a person who is acquainted 
only with the fair side of their character ; but to those who are conversant 
with them in New England, that they should conceive such a design is 
far from being a thing incredible. Now if this is the case, I have author- 
ity from Mr. Backus, a man of unblemished reputation, to inform you 
that, so far as he could judge, from being on the spot and viewing tlie 
lands, etc., wrested from those poor Baptists, he verily thought their com- 
plaints were lighter than their grievances, and that their sufferings have 
been extremely great. And as Mr. Backus is appointed by the body of 
the Baptists in New England to collect materials for their history, ho 



1770-1773. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 205 

prays and doubts not but you will, througli my hands, favor him with in- 
telligence respecting this matter, by the first opportunity, that he may 
have it in his power to undeceive you if they have sent you these accounts. 

The state of the college is much the same as when I wrote last, as to 
numbers, and still wants powerful friends to patronize and endow it. 
Messrs. Keith and Gill, the Doctor's executors, by the last ship have sent 
us a set of the Doctor's works, and fifty-two volumes of the Fathers, etc., 
which is the greatest donation our little library has yet had. 

I have visited the western provinces this fall, and find tlierc but dead 
times in religion, except in Virginia, where God still continues to do won- 
ders amongst the people ; though, as of old, by instruments to the eye of 
human reason very weak ; but God clothes them with power. I attended 
the Philadelphia Association, held in New York this year, and was very 
agreeably entertained with the company of a number of my fellow-servants, 
who seem zealous to promote the Redeemer's kingdom. One of them, 
Mr. David Jones, has been the last summer visiting and preaching to the 
western tribes of Indians between the Ohio and Mississippi ; and, like an 
apostle amongst the Gentiles, was to set out on the first of this month, at 
his own charges, to pay his interpreter, and spend the winter among the 
natives. He says they give ear to the gospel, and importuned him to 
come again. He thinks there is a great prospect of many turning to God 
amongst them ; and who knows but they may ? I believe it is the first 
instance of the Baptists going among them for that purpose. The Asso- 
ciation was highly pleased with the accounts he gave, and recommended 
it to the churches tq set on foot a collection for him ; but I fear he must 
exhaust his own little pittance, notwithstanding what they will do ; for 
public spirit is a virtue rarely found in this country amongst good people. 
But lest I weary your patience, I subscribe myself, sir, 

Your friend and servant, 

James Manning. 

KEY. ISAAC WOODMAN, TO MANNING. 

TiiORP (or Sutton), near Leicester, 

Feb. 20, 1773. 
Reverend Sir : 

By the favor of Mr. Ryland I have seen the New York Association let- 
ter, and have had some account also of yours to him. I am glad Christ's 
interest under our denomination has such a respectable footing in your 
parts, but sorry for the languor of religion in some places, whilst glad 'tis 
18 



206 M A N N I N G A N D CriAP. IV. 

otherwise elsewlicre. Amongst other things iit tlie A&socitition, the re- 
spectful notice taken of JNIr. Edwards gives me pleasure. 

As I am a Avcll-wishei- to the prosperity of the college, I would, if I 
could, advise to anything for its furtherance. If you were to come over, 
I fear your compass or scope for soliciting visits would be very narrow. 
There is no reasonable hope of success where congregations are unable to 
support the interest at home, and where there may be a prejudice against 
literature : a common but not universal case amongst us. I think it would 
be in vain to attempt it, unless you liave encouragement from London, 
Bristol, and a few more of our opulent congregations. 

But, whether you come or not, I have long thought that a good printed 
narrative of the state of the college sent hither, to bo disbursed by its 
friends, would be of service. I doubt not some fruit would spring from 
such seed scattered by skilful hands. 

You will be able, I hope, to let us know that our denomination in the 
Island, and especially the college, is loyal and obedient, disapproving the 
opposition made to Government in your neighborliood, if public reports 
of such opposition made, be indeed true. I am for liberty, regularly main- 
tained. 

Should any such narrative be sent, or brought by yourself, it is to be 
hoped the list of those you have honored with degrees will not be put into 
every hand, or at least that tliose who particularly desire it may have their 
names omitted. I esteem the honors of the college, and am obliged to 
the Faculty for putting my name amongst your worthies ; pray please to 
present my grateful compliments ; but I must not own the title. 'Tis an 
honor I cannot support. For your sakes, thei-efore, as Avell as for my own, 
I must decline it. I ought to shy, indeed, in favor of my friends, who- 
ever recommended me to your regards, they verily believed, I doubt not, 
that I was quali.^ied ; and it might have been so had I prosecuted ray begin- 
nings ; but an inveterate headache, of above thirty years' standing, has dis- 
abled me from making much addition to what I set out with wiien I left 
Bristol. I am a hearty friend to your cause. My silence has not been 
from carelessnc s or ingratitude, and much less from contempt. I desired 
}.Ir. IJyland to make my excuse. I am not able to show the regards I 
v/i;h to discov'/r; howbcit, I have friendly designs. But the honor you 
have done me would, if known, as ii is not yet in my neighborhood, block 
up my way to serve you, which I have much at heart to do. 

I congratulate you up<jn your correspondence with and interest in jMr. 
Ryland. He is, 1 may say from long acquaintance with him, a worthy 



1770-1773. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 207 

man, and a warm friend of the cause which he cs]D0uses, I do not know 
that you could have one more zealous in your affairs in all Old England. 
With sincere and hearty wishes that the honorable and important institu- 
tion over which you preside may have its worthy ends answered in the 
furtherance of knowledge, virtue, and true religion, and yourself be greatly 
helped and blessed with all needful assistance in the good work of form- 
ing the minds of youth, I rest, esteemed and dear sir, 

Yours, aifectionately, 

Isaac Woodman. 

manning's reply. 

Providence, Nov. 26, 1773. 
Reverend and dear Sir : 

Yours of Feb. 20th, 1773, came to hand last week, in company with 
several others, agreeable letters from friends in England, to Avliom I write 
by this opportunity. I am heartily glad to hear your favorable disposi- 
tion towai-ds the college, and could heartily concur with you in your 
wishes for greater abilities to serve its interests ; though we have for our 
encouragement the commendation of tlie poor widow's contribution. I 
should think it a prodigy if all you English Baptists were friends to lit- 
erature, while the case is so far otherwise in America. But I think your 
good, zealous people are mistaken in striking against it, when kept in its 
proper place, — I mean in making it an handmaid to religion. 

I am sorry you are so scrupulous in point of confessing the honor Ave 
meant to confer on you, though you must be a better judge of tlie expedi- 
ency of this, in your situation, than I can possibly be. But the infant 
state of literature in this new world, and the usages of the college here, 
lead us to conclude, from your known character, that you need not be so 
diffident of your abilities as to decline the feather, as our common friend 
Mr. Ryland calls it. 

The history of the rise, present state, etc , of the college, will be done 
in some manner, and sent to England next spring, unless Providence 
should prevent it ; but I wisli it could be done by an abler hand or that 
I had more leisure than my present circumstances will afford for it. I 
know hoAv'to sympathize with you in your inveterate complaint (of the 
headache) ; for, while I write, I am distressed with this pain. 

I highly prize Mr. Ryland's friendship, because I have found him a 
friend indeed. I revere his character, and place the highest confidence in 



208 MANNING AND CuAr. IV. 

him. The very small number of friends and the great number of enemies 
the college lias, requires the greater exertion of the few friends of which it 
can boast, in its favor. I hope to sec it on a more respectable footing, 
should I live to an advanced age ; and if not, I hope posterity will reap 
great advantages from it. With tlie most hearty wislics for your highest 
welfare, I am. 

Your friend and servant in the gospel, 

James Maxxixg. 

N. B. — I hope those who know the little Colony of Rhode Island, and 
especially the Baptist society in it, Avill find that, though lirm in the 
cause of constitutional liberty, we are as loyal subjects as any of whicli 
his Majesty King George can boast. I wish I could tell you more agree- 
able news of the state of religion among us, but it is indeed a dark day. 
Enclosed I send you a form of bequeathmcnt, which we make use of this 
way. At Newport I find one of which I had no knowledge before. 

J. M. 

Concerning Mr. Woodman, and his suggestion in regard 
to a narrative of the college, Mr. E-yland, under date of 
Feb. 9, 1773, thus writes to Manning: — 

" My good father in the ministry, and counsellor, ]\Ir. Isaac Woodman, 
is earnestly desirous (and with him I concur) to hear from you. A clear 
narration of tlie rise, progress, and present state of the college at Rhode 
Island, with an account of the methods of education in the languages, sci- 
ences, and divinity ; the exercises of the students, and the character of 
those who have distinguished themselves by their diligence, improvement, 
and piety, — this we think to reprint and disperse through all England 
amongst our best and richest friends of all denominations, in order to so- 
licit subscriptions and donations. Had you done this already, and sent 
about twenty honors to the men I named, a Avay would have been paved 
for your coming over and making your apj^earance and jicrsonal apjilica- 
tions this next summer. But for want of these two preliminaries, you 
have prevented yourself from coming with a good prospect of success for 
this year. If you will take our advice, and put it in our power to serve 
you by conciliating men's esteem and affection to your person and col- 
lege, perhaps we can pave the way for you by next May come twelve- 
month, 1774 ; and may do Rhode Island some service." 



1770-1773. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 209 

The following playful letter to his intimate friend, the 

Rev. Hezekiah Smith, shows that Dr. Manning could be 

merry, as well as serious. Indeed, he was noted above 

most men for his genial comi^anionship and rare social 

qualities. 

Pkovidence, May 5, 1773. 
Reverend and dear Sir : 

This is to give you the reason why I did not visit you at Haverhill, 
and invite you to come to Providence. I set out from Providence, in- 
tending to spend a week at Boston and Haverhill. We (for Mrs. Manning 
accompanied me) arrived at Boston Friday evening, and proposed to set 
out for Haver-hill on Monday ; but that and several succeeding days 
proving rainy, and Mrs. Manning being ver}-^ poorly, to our very great dis- 
appointment, mortification, etc., we were obliged to return to Providence 
without going further. Now, therefore, as I am tied to college, pray take 
Mrs. Smith, and the heir apparent,^ and the new chaise, and come and 
take your station for a week or two on the hill of Providence, where I 
will insure you excellent good water, the best my house affords, and our 
good company. Pray, what more would you have 1 If anything in my 
power to render the visit still more agreeable, depend on it, you sha'n't be 
wanting it, 

I have made a tour into the hither parts of Connecticut this vacation, 
and preached fifteen times in fourteen days ; seven of them in Presbyterian 
meeting-houses. What do you think of that '? See what it is to be cath- 
olic like me, while you, with brandishing weapons, take the field of Mars 
like an old veteran that scorns to let his sword rust. Good success to you, 
if you must draw. I have received a packet from England, and our good 
friend Eev. John Ryland is angry cnougli because we did not give degrees 
to the gentlemen he recommended, and says that wo have lost by it greatly. 
How happens it that not one scholar, through your influence, comes from 
you to our college 1 1 fear you don't exert yourself. We have no late 
news from the westward. Friends here are generally well, and very de- 
sirous to see and hear Mr. Smith, as are your good friends at New London. 
Mrs. Manning joins in love to you and Mi's. Smith, as, also, to all our 
good friends at Haverhill, with, dear sir, 

Your unworthy brother, 

James Manning. 
1 Their infant son, born March 12, 1772. 

18* 



210 MANNING AND Chap. IV. 

Dr. Manning now begins a correspondence with the 
Rev. Benjamin Wallin, a j^rominent Baptist minister of 
London, and a gentleman of reputed wealth. He was 
also a religious writer of some note. " The Christian Life 
Described," "Discourses on various subjects," "Parable of 
the Prodigal Son," " Evangelical Hymns and Songs," and 
various other works by him are to be found upon the 
shelves of the college library, a gift from the author. Un- 
der date of May 18, 1773, Manning thus writes: — 

Dear Brother : 

From Mr. Philip Freeman, of Boston, I received your agreeable pres- 
ent, on the third inst., and having- perused Avith much satisfaction the 
several pieces, especially the Tribulation, I am rejoiced to find that it is 
not " another gospel." Had I capacity, to which I make no preten- 
sions, to examine Mr. Wallin's productions with the eye of a critic, I feel 
no disposition, be assured, to do it. I import annually a few books from 
London, principally for the youth under my care, and should have sent 
for some of your publications ; but as Mr. Backus has tliem by him, I have 
thus far deferred doing this, not wishing to intcrfei'e in any way with him. 
I should be glad to know whether you designed the books as a present to 
me personally, or to the college library, that I may return you thanks in a 
proper manner. In either case I am greatly obliged, and heartily thank 
you therefor. 

The executors of Dr. Gill have followed the laudable cxami)le of Dr. 
Stennett, and made us a present of his works, which we deem a most val- 
uable donation. These acts encourage us to hope for similar favors from 
our friends in Europe. Should any benevolent person bo disposed to 
make a useful donation to our library and at a loss to know what books 
to choose, allow me to suggest the works of good Mr. Bunyan, than which 
none would be more acceptable. 

Mr. Edwards has been your substitute for the gentlemen as desired. 
Through Blcssrs. Stillman and Backus I learn that the Lord has visited 
you sorely in the loss of your only daughter. But you need not be told 
by mo that God is a portion infinitely preferable to that of sons or daugh- 
ters. I doubt not but you find already a strong attachment to this earth 
broken, and tliat God leads by the right way. The discipline of the rod 
is often necessary, at least to such perverse hearts as mine. 



1770-1773. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 211 

Mr. Backus informs mc that he has lately written to you, thus remov- 
ing the necessity of my giving you a recital of affairs amongst us, or of 
detaining you longer than to crave your indulgence for obtruding upon 
you this letter, which assures you, dear sir, of the unfeigned affection of 
your unseen but very much obliged 

Friend and servant, 

James Manning. 

P. S. — This day received letters from several of the western provinces. 
Find that religion is at a low ebb in general there, as, alas, it is too gener- 
ally amongst us. If business would permit, should rejoice to see a line 
from Mr. Wallin, by our fall ships. 

Mr. Wallin's reply is so excellent in spirit, that no apol- 
ogy need be offered for its introduction into our present 
work : — 

London, July 30, 1773. 
Reverend and dear Sir : 

Your respectful lines by Mr. Keith very much obliged me ; nor am I less 
indebted to your candor in perusing my endeavors, being sensible that 
they will not bear the eye of a critic. The disadvantages under which I 
was at length brought into a service, conscientiously declined in the very 
early part of my life, in consequence of which I deprived myself of an in- 
tended more liberal education, might plead some excuse ; and were you to 
know by what solicitation and management I was prevailed on to repeat 
my visits to the press, you would rather pity than blame me, and cover 
my numerous defects with a mantle of love. 

I thought it a venture to possess one of your character with such feeble 
and imperfect attempts, — they are at best only fit for children in Chris- 
tianity, — how, then, could I think of proposing them to the most infant 
seminary of learning 1 Indeed, sir, they were intended only as an in- 
stance of respect to yourself, to be glanced at with the friendly disposition 
you express. It would have impeached your last, had not the ingenious 
discourses of my much esteemed brother, the Rev. Dr. Stennett, been uni- 
versally admired among you. As to the works of that great man, the 
late Dr. Gill, who was truly a father, they may justly be accounted a con- 
siderable acquisition. I know not, upon the whole, an author more judi- 
cious and consistent. The compass of his writing is astonishing, from 



212 MANNING AND Chap. IV. 

the labors of ^Yhicll he noAV rests until the Chief Shepherd comes, when it 
will appear that our endeavors for his name shall not he in vain. 

But seeing you intimate that it may not be unacceptable, I presume, 
though with some reluctance, to send all I can collect of my publications, 
which together make ten little volumes, and possibly five entire pieces, 
and five of sermons, addresses, etc. Also the ordination of Rev. A. Booth, 
who sends a volume of the sermons of his predecessor, the late JNIr. Wil- 
son, and his own "Reign of Grace," etc. These will not be the less 
welcome for being accompanied by all the works of Mr. Bunyan, agree- 
ably to your suggestion. These I present, with my most respectful com- 
pliments, to every member of the college, including their worthy President 
the Rev. Mr. James Manning. Have you, sir, any stated form of be- 
qucathment? If not, permit me to move for a concise account of your 
institution, with a direction how to describe you in a will. Such a paper, 
neatly printed and disposed, may be useful. Be not sparing of copies to 
your friends. The difference in point of expense between one or two 
thousand is but trifling. 

As to my own works, most of them have been out of print for some 
years. They are chiefly practical, and all very plain. The hymns, more 
especially, need an apology. They are no other than artless compositions, 
in which the substance of occasional discourses was drawn up in a suit- 
able form. Such a one did not occur in our stated collection. At the 
time, they were sung with peculiar satisfaction, the people being unac- 
quainted witk the author ; but at length many of them were stolen and 
mangled, which induced me, at the instance of some, to print them, and 
so obviate any apprehension of a conceit that they were deserving of pub- 
lic notice. It is my study, both in preaching and in writing, to lead to 
those inexhaustible treasures of wisdom and comfort, the Holy Scriptures ; 
hence the tone of my naked lines. I must observe further, that in order 
to make up the set, I was obliged to put in a volume containing my 
sermon on the experience of the saints, which was bound up in another. 
You will therefore excuse a duplicate of them. 

It is long since I have heard from ray very worthy and agreeable corre- 
spondent the Rev. Mr. Backus. He usually much entertains me. I have 
often rcijoiced at liis accounts of the success of the gospel in your world, 
and am sorry to hear that at present in general it seems rather low. May 
the Lord of Jacol) revisit it ! Two things are threatening with us, — the 
growth of Anti-Trinitarians, in a variety of forms, for they cannot agree ; 
nor can I forbear to say that I think a dereliction of, or indifference to the 



1770-1773. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 213 

divine Sonship of our glorious Redeemer, lias greatly contributed to the 
insolence of men against that foundation of the gospel. The other is a 
popular ignorance of the authority of Christ, in particular church fellow- 
ship, which some are bold enough to put on the footing of prudence and 
convenience among the disciples of Jesus. The one strikes at the doc- 
trine, the other at the discipline of the gospel. But Zion is insured 
against the gates of hell. 

I am now in the eve of my ministry and life ; childless, and in a manner 
destitute of natural relation, having lost an excellent wife, two sons, and 
three daughters. It is good to be weaned from an undue attachment to 
the present state, but afflictions alone will not do it. My heavenly Father 
has been very gracious in helping me, I trust, to receive not only good at 
his hand, but also evil. He has given me a name and a place in his 
house better than that of sons or of daughters, and some spiritual children 
who are exceeding affectionate and dutiful. 

May your valuable life be long spared, and all your instructions suc- 
ceed to the advantage of mankind, and especially to the spread of the 
truth and the prosperity of Jerusalem. I remain, reverend and dear sir. 
Your obliged and truly affectionate brother, 

BeXJAMIN WALL,IIf. 



TO THE KEY. JOHN RYLAND. 

Providet!-ce, May 20th, 1773. 
Reverei^d and dear Sir : 

Yours of Feb. 9th, 1773, came safely to hand, by the Charlotte, Capt. 
Jno. Rogers, about the 20th of April, containing your agreeable present 
of pieces, letters, etc., for all of which I scarce need tell you I heartily 
thank you. You need not for the future hesitate about sending anything 
to me in that way, or writing with the utmost plainness to one who be- 
lieves not in the use of ceremony, even if he were master of it. To con- 
vince you that I am entirely suited with your plain dealing, I have 
embraced the earliest opportunity of returning an answer. 

Your friendship to the interests of the college and religion here is very 
cordially accepted by many besides myself ; and though you thought we 
slighted your friendship, I can assure you it was not so meant ; I shall 
be glad to gratify you, and testify our respect for any of your friends, on 
every occasion. But I come to particulars. 



214 MANNING AND Chap. IV. 

The books ordered here from Mr. Edwards have not come ; neither 
have I heard of them, except by your letter, though I saw Mr. Edwards 
at Philadelphia last October. He must surely have forgotten it entirely. 

I have seen Mr. Backus since I received yours, and he thinks I mis- 
took Mr. Wallin's meaning, and that he intended only himself. If so, I 
am sorry I mentioned anything of the matter. Indeed, Mr. Wallin, in 
his last letter, which I have seen, intimated as much, 

I entirely agree with you respecting academical honors, and the mode 
of conferring them on gentlemen of taste; and as you are fully satisfied 
that the gentlemen mentioned would cordially accept them, you may be 
assured we shall take proper care of that matter next Commencement, and 
forward the diplomas as soon as possible. If we have been tardy, I know 
you will forgive us. An unforgiving friend is not worth having. Such I 
do not deem my very good friend Mr. Ryland. I am heartily sorry that 
the college should sustain damage, through what we meant only for precau- 
tion, and hope, if so, that it will be only temporary. AVe beg you not to 
remit an iota of your zeal in attaching gentlemen of grace and learning, 
property and influence, to the college. For amongst all our good friends 
in Britain, we consider your opportunities in this way, together with your 
zeal, as placing you foremost. 

The character of the Rev. Mr. Toplady, which you have enlarged upon, 
is truly a rare one, and I shall think the college highly honored in his 
accepting a feather, and indeed in the least expression of his friendship. 

I am sorry to hear that pious Mr. Woodman is so exceedingly modest 
as not to choose to wear his feather ; but am glad to hear such a worthy 
character of him, and that he is so well disposed towards the college as 
to think of providing for it. May the Lord possess many others with the 
same spirit ! I hope you may have it in your power to put many more 
in the way of leaving us some love tokens, when they are better employed 
than in enjoying terrestrial goods. This is what I have hoped for, though 
hitherto I have not seen cause to expect much from it soon. 

I am much obliged to you for the annual contribution of five guineas. 
I have made free to draw a bill for them in favor of Mr. Geo. Keith, of 
London, hoping that the Lord may enable me to conduct worthy the gos- 
pel, so that you may not repent the donation. 

Your opinion of lotteries coincides with mine ; but some of our friends 
urged me to mention the subject, as they could not see a prospect of sup- 
plies in any other way. Besides, I believe there have not been such in- 



1770-1773. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 215 

iquitous methods used in this matter, with us, as in the State lotteries at 
home. They have been used to promote good designs. 

The book from Mr. Stillman we have received, though lately, as Mr. 
Story did not do his errand to Mr. Stillman faithfully. 

I have written to Mr. Edwards respecting the books in his hands, and 
expect an answer soon. Perhaps you may meet this in London. If so you 
need not mention the hint relative to Dr. Chauncey ; for I believe he has 
not yet forwarded anything of that nature. 

To give you a full detail of facts and instances of the ill-will of persons 
to the college 1 would require "centum ora etferrea vox," as sung the poet. 
Dr. Stiles, of Newport, gave as a reason to the corporation for not accept- 
ing a place in the Faculty, the offense he should give his brethren should 
he accept it. The manner of obtaining the charter, has, by the clergy of 
the Congregational society, been represented as highly iniquitous. (But 
the particulars of this affair you shall have as soon as the college history 
can be completed and sent to you, together with other particulars which 
you request.) Those gentlemen of that denomination who have spoken 
favorably of the institution have been reprimanded, as I have been cred- 
ibly informed, and that by a convention, for showing us so much counte- 
nance as to attend the Commencement. I was lately told by a worthy 
minister of that order in Connecticut, that one of the same order in this 
town, a sour man, had done the college amazing damage by representing 
us as bigots, and our sole design to be that of proselyting to the Baptist 
sentiments ; and that if they sent their children here they never could get 
into any employment in that Government ; so that he had it not in his power 
to send us the scholars to whom he taught grammar, though he chose it. 
The same zeal has been used in the neighboring provinces, both by him 
and others ; and both parents and tutors have repeatedly told me that ev- 
erything except violence has been used, and almost that in some instan- 
ces, to prevent them from sending their children here. Some of them 
have boasted that they have prevented persons from coming who de- 
signed it ; and few scholars come but say every obstacle has been laid in 
their way to prevent them. The characters of the teachers, their abilities, 
and the character of the place even, have been aspersed to the highest de^ 



1 Mr. Kyland, in a letter to Manning, under date of Feb. 9, 1773, thus writes: 
•'I wish you would give me a full detail of facts and instances of the ill-will of 

men to your seminary. I would make use of them for its bcuetit and advantage, 

without hurting you in the least."' 



216 MANNING AND Chap. IV. 

grcc for the same purpose. But I should tire you to recite a small part 
of our ill-treatment. They know that the low state of the college fund 
requires considerable tuition money to support the teachers, and that 
that depends on the number of scholars. If, therefore, they can prevent 
them from coming, they know they distress us. But, notwithstanding what 
I have said of our enemies, there are many valuable men in that society 
in these parts, some of whom are friendly to the college ; but through 
their connections, or want of ability, few of them have it in their power 
to express their friendship. 

You may expect a particular account of our mode of education, and 
of the students, their characters, proficiency, piety, etc., when we send 
you an account of the rise, progress, and present state of the college, 
which I intend to draw up as soon as I can, and forward it by the first 
opportunity. Our number of scholars is thirty, and amongst them are 
many pious, promising young men. Take them together, they are a set of 
well-behaved boys. I have a Latin school under my care, taught by one 
of our graduates, of about twenty boys. Amongst those who have left us 
are three eminent Baptist ministers, their age considered, and another 
just entered on the work, who, I am told, promises as fair as any of the 
others ; one attorncy-at-law, the most eminent at the bar of any in this 
colony, etc., etc. 

I thank you for the list of ministers of the Church of England, and 
shall be glad to sec that of the Calvinist Baptist ministers. 

What treatise upon fluxions do you deem the best ? The state of reli- 
gion is generally at a low ebb amongst us. May the Lord revive it ! 
Would your English people be scared at an American Indian ? I remain, 
dear sir, your unworthy friend and brother in the gospel, 

James Manning. 



REV. JOHN RYLAND S " MEMORANDA AND HINTS FOR 



)'S " 
PROF. MANNING, AT RHODE ISLAND. 

[No date. Trobably August, 1773.] 

1 . The Calvinjstical Baptist ministers in England and Wales are about 
two hundred ; but I have given away my printed lists, and forgot to ask 
Mr. Wallin for some more, Be so good as to mention it to him. 

2. I cannot yet jjrocure a complete list of the Independent ministers 
and churclics. You know there are about thirty-two in London, and wc 
luive twelve or fourteen in Northampton. 



1770-1773. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 217 

3. I suppose you know tliat it was Dr. Stennett that procured an order 
from Government to put a stop to the oppression of the Baptists near 
Boston. I have not a perfect idea of that affair. 

4. Two young men, of good parts and sound knowledge of the learned 
languages, and men of eloquence and piety, are lately come into the min- 
istry from Mr. Evan's academy in Bristol ; namely, Mr. Biggs, just going 
to be ordained over the Baptist church at Wantage, in Berkshire, and 
Mr. Dunscombe, at Coat in Oxfordshire, whose ordination is to be at the 
same time. You will do well to mark them down as men of uncommon 
merit, worthy of your feathers in a year. 

5. The sooner you send over a clear, short, printed account of your 
college, in its rise and present state, the better. I beg you would pay due 
and equal attention to our leading men, in presenting each with a copy, 
that no jealousy or pique against you may arise. You know our chief 
ministers. We have about thirty or forty that can read Greek. Let not 
one be forgot. If you know not all of them, I will inform you, or take 
the trouble of giving them a copy in your name. 

6. As to your visit to old England, I shall be glad to see you, and will 
do you all the service I can ; but I wish you to attach some more of our 
ministers to your interest by your pretty baubles first, and also let your 
account of the college come six months before you. 

7. As to your worthy Mathematical Professor, I wish him all possible 
success ; but I must not presume to assist or direct him with respect to the 
best book on fluxions. The students at our Cambridge use chiefly an 
abridgment of Sanderson's Algebra, an octavo, price six shillings ; and 
then we have such a number of books on fluxions, so good that 'tis hard 
to say which is the best. There are four of great note ; namely, Maclau- 
rin, Ditton, Thomas Simpson, and Emerson last of all, who is now liv- 
ing. He has published a noble course of mathematical learning, in about 
ten or twelve octavo volumes. He is an amazing genius in the north of 
England. His Mechanics, quarto, fourteen shillings, and Astronomy, 
octavo, six shillings, I have in my study. But the lovely humane philos- 
opher, and my intimate friend, is James Ferguson, F. R. S. He has just 
now assisted me to complete my optical cards, which are engraving on 
copper plates. Y'ou will, I hope, approve of them, as the easiest introduc- 
tion to optics ever seen in the world. By the way, Ferguson drew up the 
book you have in your hands with my name to it ; for I could not per- 
suade him to put his own, for fear of appearing ungrateful to Andrew 
Miller, bookseller, who had been his friend in a time of need. 

19 



218 MANNING AND Chap. IV. 

calvinistic baptist ministers in england who can read 
the greek testament, etc. 

1. Samuel StennetTjD.D., 

2. Benjamin AVallin, 

3. "William Clark, 

4. John Reynolds, 

5. Abraham Booth, 

6. Dr. Gifford, 



London. 



1. Hugh Evans, ] 

2. Caleb Evans, [ Bristol. 

3. Mr. New 



Evans, I 

WTON, I 



1. Benjami3i Beddome, Bourton, on the water, Gloucester. 

2. John Ash, Pershore, "Worcestershire. 

3. Joshua Symmonds, of Bedford, who has lately altered his senti- 
ments from, a Pedobaptist, and honestly is come into and submitted 
to believer's baptism ; for wliicli he is abhorred and despised by the 
Independent ministers. Give him your best honors. 

4. Daniel Turner, Abingdon, Berkshire. 

5. Mr. Robinson, of Cambridge. 

6. Philip Gibbs, of Plymouth. 

7. Morgan Jones, of Hampstead, Hertfordshire. 

8. Samuel James, of Hitchin, Hertfordshu-e. Now dying. 

9. Isaac "Woodman, of Leicestersliire. 

10. John Brown, of Kettering, Northamptonshire. 

11. Biggs and Dunscombe ; excellent scholars. 

12. Robert Day, Wellington, Somersetshire. 

13. Benjamin Fuller, Devizes. 

14. John Poynting, "Worcester. 

15. John Oulton, of Rawden in Yorkshire. 

IG. John Fawcett, of "Wainsgate, Yorkshire ; now keeps a seminary. 

17. Joseph Jenkins. 

18. Benjamin Davies, in Wales, keeps an academy at Abergavemry, 
about ten pupils. Give him a feather. 

19. Mr. John Rippon, at Dr. Gill's mecting-housc. 

20. Ryland, Sen. 

21. Ryland, Jun. 



1770-1773. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 219 

President Manning, in his official relations, was not alto- 
gether unmindful of the wise man's injunction touching 
the rod. " John " to whom Mr. Hart refers below, was now, 
it seems, a Freshman in college. He had probably been 
one of Manning's grammar-school pupils. Whether he 
profited by the " discipline," we cannot say. As his name, 
however, appears among the graduates four years later, it 
is reasonable to draw the most favorable inferences. 

Charleston, Nov. 5th, 1773. 
Dear Mr. President : 

I have hardly time to say, yours of the 6th Sept., ult., came to hand 
two days ago. I am now preparing for a journey into Georgia, very 
high up, in order to assist my good Brother Pelot in constituting a Baptist 
church. The Lord has greatly owned the labors of our young BotfFord ; 
many are converted, baptized, and arc now waiting for the enjoyment of 
church privileges. This intelligence, I know, Avill be agreeable to you ; 
more so than the account you gave of my sad boy was to me. I am sorry 
John has conducted so as to give you so much trouble, and to forfeit the 
place he had under the management of Mrs. Manning. Had I been ap- 
prised of his unworthy conduct sooner, perhaps I should have remanded 
him back to Carolina ; for I am not in such affluent circumstances as to 
throw away money in the education of one who has no view to his own 
advantage. I thank you, however, for all the pains you have taken with 
him, and that you have made trial of the discipline of the rod. Let me 
entreat you unwcariedly to exert your best endeavors for his advantage. 
Who knows but God may give him a turn 1 I should be sorry he should 
return a worthless blockhead. When I return from my Georgia route, 
which will take rac near a month, I shall use my utmost endeavors to 
remit you some more guineas. I have enough due me if I could collect 
it ; but cash was never so scarce in Carolina as at present. This is an 
unfavorable circumstance, both for you and for me. 

I should be glad to see an account of your late Commencement in print. 
Pray, how goes on tiic great man of Haverhill "? I have heard nothing 
from him for a great while past ; and I hear almost as little about Mr. 
Stillman, or our aflfairs in Boston. How is Mr. Davis's place supplied ? 
Has that church any minister 1 



220 MANNING AND Chap. IV. 

Could you not prevail on John to write to me ? I have received but 
one letter from him for the space of twelve months past, although I have 
sharply reproved him for his neglect, over and over again. With kind 
love to Mrs. Manning, I remain, 

Yours, with much esteem, 

OnvEE Hart. 

TO THE KEV. JOHN EYLAND. 

Providence, Nov. 25, 1773. 
Eeverend and dear Sir : 

Yours by Capt. Shand I received last week. I am obliged to you for 
the number of Calvinist Baptist ministers in England and Wales, and for 
information where I may procure a complete list of Independent ministers. 

I did not know before that it was Dr. Stennett who procured the repeal 
of the Ashfield law against the Baptists. I rejoice at the addition of 
Messrs. Biggs and Dunscombe tcf the number of laborers in the vineyard 
of our Lord. I shall remember and do honor to such worthy characters. 

I expect we shall be able to send over a printed account of the college 
the next spring, together with diplomas to those in England who were 
graduated the last fall. The reason of our being so tardy in this matter is, 
the corporation, at their last meeting, ordered us to revise the form of our 
diplomas, and send it to England to be engraved in copper plate, and 
procure a quantity of good parchment, as we had none here fit to send 
abroad. Should you happen in London on the receipt of this, I should 
be glad to have you inspect the draught and design, and prescribe the 
best form of the plate, hands, etc. 

I shall pay due attention to the literary gentlemen you mentioned, 
when the account of the college is sent over, and am obliged to you for 
your proffered kindness in distributing them. This I shall expect. 

I know not whether I shall ever have the pleasure of seeing your face in 
the flesh ; should my life be spared, though, it would be very agreeable. 
However, we shall omit nothing which is judged agreeable or necessUry 
to pave the way for some future personal solicitation in favor of our col- 
lege in England, should it be thought expedient. Am obliged to you for 
the account of books on fluxions and your optical card. I doubt not I 
shall approve of it when favored with a sight. 

In company with yours I received a letter from that venerable man. 
Rev. Isaac Woodman, together with another testimony of his good-will 



1770-1773. BROWN UNIVERSITY. ^21 

towards us. He writes like an experienced, modest father. This letter I 
must answer, though I am greatly paralyzed with a crowd of business, and 
cannot do it as I would be glad to do. Also Rev. Benjamin Wallin, of 
London, sent me an agreeable letter, accompanied with all he has published, 
in ten volumes, neatly bound and gilt, with the most valuable works of 
John Bunyan, in six volumes, the Reign of Grace, by William Booth 
and Wilson's Sermons, — all for the college library. These I esteem 
valuable presents. 

Enclosed I send you the Minutes of the Association at Philadelphia, 
and that called the Warren Association, in New England. 

The last vacation I spent in riding three hundred and fifty miles, and 
preaching twenty-five times, to a number of our little Baptist churches and 
societies in New England ; many of wliich I never had visited before. 
Was cordially received, and importuned to repeat my visit as soon as 
might be. In general found religion to wear a promising aspect ; but in 
many places they met with a great interruption from the Establishment 
in New England. I wonder how men by human laws can establish a re- 
ligion, and then have the efiVontery to call it Christ's kingdom ! 

I should have sent to you before this for a number of your books, but 
understood you had sent some of them to Mr. Edwards, directed to me, 
which I have not seen. With my best wishes for your welfare, I am, sir. 
Your unworthy brother in the gospel, 

James Manning. 

P. S. — I have seen Rev. Augustus Toplady's Treatise on Predestina- 
tion, with his letter to Rev. Jno. Wesley, and deem them masterly per- 
formances, answering well the character you gave him. 

TO THE EEV. BENJAMIN WALLIN. 

Providence, Nov. 25th, 1773. 
Reverend and dear Sir : 

Yours of July 30th, by Capt. Shand, together with the box of books, 
came safe to hand last week ; for which I return you many thanks, as 
well in the name of the corporation of our college as in my own. I have 
not had leisure to peruse many of the pieces, since their arrival, but from 
my prepossession in favor of the author, and from what I have read of his 
works, I am confident they will be highly agreeable ; so that you might 
have spared everything said by way of apology for them on that account. 
19* 



2-2 MANNING AND Chap. IV. 

I am, hoAvcver, greatly obliged to you for the information you give con- 
cerning your entering the ministry, your age, situation in the world and 
in the church of God. etc., etc. Your present of the venerable Bunyan's 
works were not the less wclcorao for being accompanied with the agree- 
able present fj-om the Rev. Abraham Booth, of his Reign of Grace, and 
of Mr. Wilson's Sermons. I must trouble him with a letter too. 

We expect next spring to send over a printed account of the rise and 
present state of the college, in which we shall give an account of the man- 
ner of donations to the college by wills ; but lest that should come too 
late, I here send the name by which it is known in law, and by which it is 
to hold donations, until some more distinguished benefactor shall give it a 
new one, for Avhich the corporation have liberty in the charter. 

" Item. I give to the the Trustees and Fellows of the College or Uni- 
versity in the English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Planta- 
tions, in New England in America, the sum of ." 

The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, last year 
or the year before, prescribed a form of bequeathment to them, in which 
they say : " To be raised and paid by, and out of my ready money, plate, 
goods, and personal effects, which, by law, I may or can charge with the 
payment of the same ; and not out of any part of my lands, tenements, or 
hereditaments, and to 1)C applied towards," etc. The particular design 
must be expressed, or it must be left to them to dispose of as they shall 
think proper. I suppose the statute of ISIortmane, or that of 9th of George 
II., made this precaution necessary. But as our friends in Great Britain 
will be always able to advise with those who are skilled in these matters, 
they will doubtless put it out of the power of any to defeat their benevolent 
intentions, after they are gone to the eternal world. Pardon my being so 
particular on this point: the loss of sundry donations to the society above 
mentioned, published in their extracts, suggested the thought. 

When our account of the college comes, we shall not be sjiaring in 
numbers to be distributed, as our friends judge proper. 

I wonder that Mr. Backus is behindhand with you, as he is not com- 
monly tardy in this way. He is an excellent man, and though unfur- 
nished with the knowledge of letters, has been an eminent instrument in 
the hands of God to spread the truth in this country, as well by his j)ubli- 
cations as i)y his prcat'liing. He has lately published an appeal to the 
public in favor of the Baptist society in New England ; and he is now 
collecting materials for the history of the Baptists. I will forward Mr. 
Edwards's list l>y the first safe conveyance. 



1770-1773. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 223 

Your information of the low state of religion amongst us is but loo 
tnie ! May the Lord in mercy visit us. I travelled this fall about three 
hundred and fifty miles, and visited many of the Baptist churches. In 
several places there were, I thought, evident marks of the power of God 
attending gospel means. While on that journey I baptized four pei'sons. 
I am sorry to hear of the decline of vital godliness in old England, and of 
the prevalence of Anti-Trinitarianism, or, if you please, infidelity. I be- 
lieve no arguments will efi^ectually refute that, in men of corrupt minds, 
short of the power of divine grace, for a day of which I need not solicit 
you to help with your prayers. 

I am glad to hear you express that happy degree of resignation to the 

will of God in your bereaved, afflicted state. Oh that blessed word! 

" Our light afflictions," etc. May God grant you an experience of its 

full import, make your last days your best, and late, very late, call you 

home from earthly labors to mansions of glory. This is the sincere 

prajer of 

Your most unworthy brother in the gospel, 

James Manning. 

We close this chapter with a letter to the Rev. Abra- 
ham Booth, of London, proposing an "exchange of some 
letters." Mr. Booth was an eminent Baptist minister in 
his clay, and an author of no little celebrity. Ilis " Reign 
of Grace," " Pedobaptism Examined," " Apology for the 
Baptists," "Essay on the Kingdom of Christ," and numer- 
ous other religious and polemical writings, may be found 
upon the shelves of the college library. Most of tliem were 
republished in 1813, in three octavo volumes, with a me- 
moir of the author. An account of him, compiled from this 
memoir, is given in Rose's General Biographical Dictionary. 

Newport, Nov. 2G, 1773. 

ItEVEREND AND DEAR SiR : 

The last week brought your agreeable present of the Reign of Grace, 
and the Rev. Mr. Wilson's Sermons, a present to our college libmry ; for 
which the corporation have ordered me, in their name, to return you their 
thanks : an agreeable task, as it not only gives me an opportunity of ex- 



224 MANNING AND BROWN UNIVERSITY. Chap. IV. 

pressing my gratitude for the donation, but opens a door for me to ad- 
dress a gentleman and brother in Christ whose character has often been 
represented to me in so amiable a light that I should think it a happiness 
to maintain a correspondence with you, if agreeable on your part. 

It gives me peculiar pleasure to find our friends in Great Britain mind- 
ful of this infant seminary. It greatly needs and most cordially accepts 
their patronage, and wishes too an increase of benefactors. I hope in our 
turn we shall show all proper respect to all its friends who can justly have 
any claim upon us. 

Should it be agreeable to you, sir, to exchange some letters, you will 
always find me ready to execute your commands, as far as I am able. 
May you experience in your soul the dominion of that grace you have so 
agreeably described, is, dear sir, the devout wish of 

Your obliged but unworthy brother, 

James Manning. 




FIRST liAPTIST CHITRCH, PROVIDENCE, R. I. 

Erected ,\. i). I7'r>. 



CHAPTEE V. 



1774-1779. 

Description of the Baptist meeting-house at the time of Manning's removal to 
Providence— Church and Society prosper under his pastoral care — Resolve 
to build "a meeting-house for the public worship of Almighty God, and also 
to hold Commencements in " — Committees appointed — John Brovrn — Lot- 
tery to assist in defraying the expense — Raising of the house — Dedication — 
Description of the building and grounds — Letter to Rev. Benjamin Wallin — 
Baptists imprisoned for the non-payment of rates — Letter to Rev. John Ry- 
land — Manning's illness — His narrative of the college — Commencement in 
1774 — Barnabas Binney — Valedictory oration — Letter to Thomas Ustick — 
Manning's efforts in behalf of civil and religious freedom — Congress of Del- 
egates meet at Philadelphia, Sept. 5, 1774 — Address to the same from the 
Warren Association — Backus an agent to said Congress — Meeting of the 
Baptists in Philadelphia — Conference between them and members of Con- 
gress — Manning addresses the Conference and reads a Memorial — Results — 
Increase of Baptist sentiments throughout the land — Extract from letter giv- 
ing Dr. Stiles's statements in regard to said Conference — Petition from the Sen- 
ior Class — Manning's reply — No Commencement in 1775 — Reasons — Com- 
mencement in 1776 — Newport taken by the British forces — Providence under 
martial law — College studies suspended — College building occupied by the 
American, and afterwards by the French troops— Manning's duties at this time 

— Letter to John Ryland, giving a picture of the war and an account of the 
progress of religion in the land — Letter to Rev. Benjamin Wallin, giving an 
account of a remarkable revival of religion in the church and College — Wal- 
lin's reply — Letter of sympathy and counsel to Miss A. Howard, of England 

— Controversial letter on Infant Baptism, to Rev. John Berridge, of London 

— Conduct of the Episcopal clergy in reference to the war — Meeting of the 
Corporation in 1777 — Instance of Manning's humane disposition — Important 
civil function confided to him — Anecdote of Manning in relation to the 
"Dark Day" — Letter to Rev. Thomas Ustick, urging him to open a Latin 
school with a view to aiding the College — Letter from Judge Howell resign- 
ing his Professorship. 

At the time of Dr. Manning's removal to Providence, 
the Baptist church were worshipping in a small house, 



226 MANNING AND Chap. V. 

thirty-five by forty-one feet in dimension, erected in the 
year 1726, on the corner of North Main and Smith Streets. 
The lot, wliich was seventy-seven by one hundred and 
twelve feet, was partly the gift of the Rev. Pardon Til- 
linghast, a former pastor, and partly the purchase of the 
society. The following description of the building, and of 
the mode of worship, which we take from Stone's Life and 
Recollections of John Rowland, will be found interesting: 

" At high water the tide flowed nearly up to the west end of the build- 
ing. There were no pews. From the front door, opening on Main Street, 
an aisle extended to the pulpit, which was raised three or four steps from 
the floor. On each side of the aisle benches extended north and south to 
the walls of the house, and there were benches in the gallery, which was 

entered by narrow stairs from a door on the south side of the house 

They did not approve of singing, and never practised it in public worship. 
When more than one elder was present, and the first had exhausted him- 
self, he would say, * There is time and space left if any one has further to 
offer.' In that case another and another would offer what he had to say ; 

so there was no set time for closing the meeting The house could 

not contain a large congregation, nor did the number present seem to re- 
quire a larger house, as they were not crowded though many of them 
came in from the neighboring towns, on horseback, with women behind 
them on pillions." 

Under the pastoral care of Dr. Manning the cliurch and 
society greatly increased in numbers and efficiency, so that 
ere long it became necessary to erect a new house of wor- 
ship. With a view to the accommodation of the college, 
it was determined to build it in such a style of elegance, 
and of such dimensions, as should surpass any edifice of 
tlie kind connected with the Baptist denomination in the 
colonies. 

In looking over the records of the society, we find that, 
at a meeting held at the house of Mr. Daniel Cahoon, on 
Friday evening, Feb. 11, 1774, it was — 



1774-1779. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 227 

"Resolved, That we will all heartily unite as one man, in all lawful 
ways and means, to promote the good of this society ; and particularly 
attend to and revive the affair of building a meeting-house for the public 
worship of Almighty God, and also for holding Commencements in/' 

In accordance with this resolve, the society, with una- 
nimity and promptness, entered upon the prosecution of 
their labors. A committee of two persons, Messrs. Joseph 
Brown and Jonathan Hammond, were immediately ap- 
pointed to proceed to Boston, " in order to view the dif- 
ferent churches there, and to make a memorandum of their 
several dimensions and forms of architecture." The old 
house and lot were sold at public auction, and the present 
spacious lot, bounded by Thomas, Benefit, President, and 
North Main Streets, was purchased by Mr. John Angell. 
In this latter transaction very important service appears 
to have been rendered by Mr. William Russell. 

On the 25th of April, 1774, at a meeting of the society, 
of which Dr. Manning was moderator, and Benjamin 
Stelle clerk, it was resolved — 

1. That a petition be presented to the honorable General Assembly, 
praying that a charter, containing certain privileges and immunities, may 
be granted to the Baptist society in Providence. 

2. That the Rev. James Manning, Ephraim Wheaton, Nicholas Brown, 
David Howell, and Benjamin Thurber be a committee to draft a plan of 
a charter, and present the same to the society for approbation as soon as 
may be. 

3. That Mr. John Brown be the committee-man for carrying on the 
building of the new meeting-house for said society. 

4. That Messrs. John Jenckes, Daniel Gaboon, Ephraim Wheaton, 
Nathaniel Wheaton, Daniel Tillinghast, Joseph Brown, William Russell, 
Edward Thurber, Nicholas Brown, Christopher Sheldon, and Benjamin 
Thurber, they or the major part of them, be a standing committee to as- 
sist and advise with Mr. John Brown in locating and carrying into execu- 
tion the building of the new meetmg-house. 



228 M A N X I N G AND Chap. Y. 

Thus, while a large comiiiittec of eleven was chosen for 
assistance and advice, the carrying on of the building and 
the execution of the plans was wisely left to a committee 
of one. There was hence a unity of purpose, and a suc- 
cess in the final results, which a large and divided com- 
mittee could never have attained. In this matter our 
fiithers have left on record an example which societies of 
the present day may do well to imitate. It is pleasing to 
notice, in this record, the unlimited confidence reposed in 
the abilities and discretion of Mr. Browm. Had there been 
informers in those days of trial and peril, the large reward 
ofiered by the British Government for the apprehension of 
the author of or leader in the destruction of the Gaspee, 
two years previous, might have seriously interfered with 
the plans of the society. 

In order to defray the additional expense of purchasing a 
lot and of building a house sufKciently large to accommo- 
date the college, recourse was had to a lottery. Tliis, as 
we have already remarked in a previous chapter, was in 
accordance with the universal practice of religious societies, 
in Rhode Island and elsewhere, at this period. Tlie lot- 
tery was divided into six classes, the time and place of 
drawing which were notified from time to time in the 
Providence Gazette. Eleven thousand nine hundred and 
seventy tickets were sold, at prices ranging from two and 
one half to five dollars each. The sum proi)()sed to be 
raised by this scheme was two thousand pounds lawful 
money, or about seven thousand dollars. The managers 
appointed by the General Assembly, were Nicholas Brown, 
John Jenckes, William Russell, Benjamin Thurber, Edward 
Thurber, Nathaniel Wheaton, Daniel Tillinghast, William 
Ilolroyd, James Arnold, and Nicholas Power. In their 
announcement of June 25, 1774, they ask for the '' cheerful 



1774-1779. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 229 

assistance and encouragement of the public, especially 
when it is considered that this is the first time the Bap- 
tist society have solicited their assistance in this way, 
which they can assure them would not now have been the 
case had they not purchased as much more land, and de- 
signed a house as much larger than the society required for 
their own use (purposely to accommodate public Com- 
mencements), as will amount to the full sum proposed to 
be raised by this lottery." 

On Monday, Aug. 29, was the " raising " of the new 
meeting-house, due notice of which had been given in the 
papers. A large crowd assembled, and the occasion seems 
to have been made a general holiday throughout the 
town. 

During the following year the house was so far com- 
pleted that it was occupied by the society. It was opened 
for public worship on Sunday, May 28, 1775, when Pres- 
ident Manning preached the dedication discourse, from 
Gen. xxviii. 17, — "And he was afraid, and said. How 
'dreadful is this place ! This is none other but the house of 
God, and this is the gate of heaven." On Tuesday, June 6, 
the raising of the steeple, which occupied nearly four days, 
was finished. The plan of this most elegant piece of archi- 
tecture was taken from the middle figure in the thirtieth 
plate of Gibbs's " Designs of Buildings and Ornaments," 
representing the steeple of St. Martin's in the Fields, one 
of the finest churches in London.-^ It measures one hundred 
and eight feet from the top of the tower, and one hundred 
and eighty-five feet from the ground to the top of the vane. 
The total height of the steeple is one hundred and ninety- 
six feet. The house itself is eighty feet square. The roof 
and galleries are supported by twelve fluted pillars, of the 

1 See Knight's " London Illustrated," Vol. V. p. 195. 

20 



230 MANNING AND Chap. V. 

Doric order. The weight of the original bell was two 
thousand five hundred and fifteen pounds, and upon it was 
the following motto : — 

" For freedom of conscience the town was first planted; 
Persuasion, not force, was used by the people; 
This church was the eldest, and has not recanted, 
Enjoying, and granting, bell, temple, and steeple." ^ 

V 

Fronting three of the four streets that surround the 
house is a door, and fronting Benefit Street are two doors. 
Thus on Commencement days, and on other public occa- 
sions, it can be easily and readily vacated. Mr. Joseph 
Brown, a member of the church, was the principal archi- 
tect, and Mr. James Sumner superintended the building. 
The entire expense of the edifice and lot was upwards 
of twenty-five thousand dollars. When we consider the 
value and scarcity of money in those days, the perils and 
dangers of an impending war with the mother country, and 
also the fact that Providence was then a small town, con- 
taining, when the building was commenced, a population- 
of only four thousand tliree hundred and twenty-one, ac- 
cording to the ofticial numeration of the inhabitants, we 
are amazed at the genius whicli could conceive, and the 
energy, enterprise, and skill which could successfully com- 
plete so great an undertaking. Even at the present day, 
the venerable structure, with its tall, graceful spire, and 
its spacious enclosure, shaded by stately elms, constitutes 
one of the chief attractions of the city. In the beginning 
and progress of this enterprise, we have an illustration 
of the remarkable influence which Manning must have 
exerted over the people of his care. 

I Dissenters in Great Britain were not allowed to have steeples or bells to their 
churches. To this prohibition reference is undoubtedly had in this inscription. 



1774-1779. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 231 

Returning now to our correspondence, we find under 
date of May 25, 1774, a brief letter addressed to the Rev. 
Benjamin Wallin : — 

IIev]§:rend and dear Sir : 

Yours of February, now before me, was very acceptable, as also the 
two pamphlets ; for which I return you my hearty thanks. Hope the sep- 
aration in Dr. Gill's church, although attended with some circumstances 
in themselves disagreeable, may eventually prove to the furtherance of 
the gospel. 

Any apology in behalf of your productions, dear sir, is perfectly un- 
necessary. Mr. Booth's piece has not yet come to hand. Please to make 
my compliments to him, and to any others who may inquire after your 
unworthy friend. 

Mr. Backus is now raking into the rubbish of time to collect materials 
for a History of the American Baptists, and prosecutes his design with 
great assiduity. 

* A very considerable number of Baptists were last winter imprisoned, 
for the non-payment of their rates to the Presbyterians, in the Colony of 
Massachusetts Bay; — very ill-timed, considering their contest with the 
British Parliament respecting the right of taxation, and the measures they 
might have guessed would have been pursued. But, alas ! how blind are 
we to our own faults ! 

I expect the account of the college will be complete this summer, and 
hope you may not be disappointed in the manner of its execution. We 
are not accustomed to write for the public eye. When done they will be 
forwarded to England with all speed. A grievous diarrhoea, for several 
months past, has put it out of my power to contribute my assistance, or it 
would have been more forward at this day. I heartily thank you for your 
good wishes for me and for the seminary, and hope the institution may 
prove a public blessing. Religion is in a flourishing state in several of 
the places around us, but low in Providence. May the Lord i^jvive his 
own work. With sincere regards, I am, dear sir. 

Your unworthy friend, 

James Manning. 

* The Baptist committee are to meet at Boston to-morrow on this busi- 
ness. If no redress is granted from government, they will, I suppose, 
apply to the King and council through their agents in London. 



232 MANNING AND Chap. V. 

TO THE EEV. JOHX EYLAXD. 

Newport, May 27, 1774. 
Reverend and dear Sir : 

Though I had no letter from you by the last vessels, I cannot omit 
sending you a line. The college papers have been retarded by my indispo- 
sition through the past winter. An obstinate diarrhoea, for several months 
together, took away almost all hopes that I should ever recover my 
health, and prevented my attention to business in a great measure ; but 
tlirough the goodness of God I am happily recovered. The Anecdotes 
of the college will be drawn up and forwarded as soon as may be, and the 
other papers. But I could not get them ready by this opportunity. This 
spring I received from Philadelphia your Cause of Deism Ruined Forever, 
etc. ; and according to the dkections, forwarded one to Harvard College, 
Mr. Stillman, etc. Return my hearty thanks for the one presented me, 
and, in the name of the corporation, present their thanks for that given to 
our college library. The college is in much the same state as when I 
wrote last. Religion is on the revival in some places in New England ; 
but great calamities seem to threaten us, in consequence of the dispute re- 
lating to taxation ; and the Lord only knows when this dispute will end. 
I think it incumbent on all who have any interest at the throne of Grace, 
to employ it, both in Britain and America, that God would pour out his 
Spirit on us all, and heal the breaches sin has made. 

I have taken the liberty to draw on Mr. Ryland, in favor of IVIr. John 
Brown, for five guineas, as usual. My Brother Gano has returned to New 
York from a tour of six or seven months through the Carolinas. Have 
not yet seen him, but am informed that he brings good tidings respecting 
the state of religion. With great respect, I am, sir. 

Yours, etc., 

James oNIanning. 

We find 110 further meniton by Dr. Manning of liis 
" Anecdotes " or " Narrative " of tlic college. His ill health 
at this time, the cares and anxieties of a j)astor in seasons 
of i-evival, and the breaking out of the Revolutionary 
War, prevented the final completion of his literary under- 
taking. Tt is to be regretted that his manuscrii)t papers 
have not been more carefully jjreserved.^ Doubtless there 

1 J'or uji accoiiul of ^laiiiiing'w i):ii)er!?, Kce I'rt'iace. 



1774-1779. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 233 

was among them at his death a sketch of the college, 
which, if not completed, would at least have thrown light 
upon much that pertains to its origin and early progress. 

This year the Commencement was held for the last time 
in Mr. Snow's meeting-house. Six young men took their 
Bachelor's degree, " delivering their respective parts with 
that dignity and propriety which acquired them the ap- 
plause of a very numerous, judicious, and polite assem- 
bly." " The company of cadets," says the Chronicle^ " in 
uniforms, made an elegant and truly military appearance ; 
and both in the procession and in the manoeuvres which they 
performed on the college green, procured universal appro- 
bation, and convinced the spectators that Americans are 
no less capable of military discipline than Europeans." 

Among the graduates on this occasion was Mr. Barna- 
bas Binney, who received the valedictory honors of the 
class. He was born in Boston, Mass. In early youth he 
discovered a ready and prolific genius, which gave promise 
of usefulness in the clerical profession. But the liberality 
of his ideas, says his biographer, rendered it incapable for 
him to attach himself to any particular sect, and hence he 
could *1b ever be prevailed upon to assume the vows and 
duties of a professed teacher of religion. He therefore 
perfected himself in the various branches of medicine, 
and finally established himself as a physician in the city 
of Philadelphia. Here he died, in the month of June, 
1787. His son, the Hon. Horace Binney, is now the Nes- 
tor of the Pennsylvania bar, and ranks among the most 
distinguished lawyers and jurists of the day. The vale- 
dictory oration of Mr. Binney, which was immediately 
published,^ was universally regarded as a splendid produc- 

' A copy is still preserved in the University library. The following is the 
title : " An Oration delivered on the late public Commencement at Rhode Island 
20* 



234 MANNING AND Chap. V. 

tion. After the usual addresses, it discussed fully the poli- 
tics of that eventful period, and was listened to with the 
most profound attention. The merits of this production 
were greatly enhanced in the delivery by the gracefulness 
of the orator, and the uncommon elegance of his manners. 

Judge Dorrance, of Providence, was a member of this 
class. Immediately after graduating, he was appointed a 
tutor, and for many years during the latter part of his 
life he was one of the Trustees of the University. D wight 
Foster, whos§ name also appears in this connection, was a 
brother of the Hon. Theodore Foster, the senator from 
Rhode Island. He settled as a lawyer in Brookfield, Mass., 
and represented his native State as a senator in Congress 
from 1800 to 1803. 

The following letter, directed to "Thomas Ustick, school- 
master, New York," has reference to this Commencement. 
Mr. Ward, we observe, delivered an oration for tlie Mas- 
ter's degree, but the other candidates for this honor took 
no part in the public exercises. 

Providence, May 30, 1774. 
Sir : — This is to let you know that Messrs. Ward and Arn^d, your 
classmates, spent this evening with me to determine their Commence- 
ment exercises, and they desired me to ask you what you propose to do 
for Commencement, wlien you expect to be at Providence to prepare, etc., 
etc. These things you are desired to answer by the first opportunity. I had 
from Ashford in Connecticut, this day, an application for a Baptist min- 
ister. I mentioned you to them ; and desire you to confer with Mr. Gano 
on the subject, that he may bring over word, when he comes. Theu* 



College, in Providence, September, 1774; being a plea for the right of private 
judgment in religious matters, or for the liberty of choosing our own religion; 
corroborated by tlie well-known consoqueuces of priestly power; to which are 
annexed the valedictions of the class then first graduated. By Barnabas Bin- 
ney, A.B. Boston: 1774." The oration, with the illustrative notes, makes a small 
quarto of forty-four pages. 



1774-1779. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 235 

start for a Baptist minister is a new thing ; but they subscribed last week 
near £500 lawful money towards building a meeting-house. The town is 
large and rich, and I am told that full one third have declared for the 
Baptists ; and that, in case they can get a minister of abiUties, it is the 
general opinion that much above half the town will attend the meeting, 
though there are three parishes in it. The richest men are on our side, 
and they say they believe in supporting the minister handsomely. What 
say you of visiting them, at least, as soon as you can with convenience ? I 
want you to send me, by the first opportunity, two dozen grammars, and 
I will satisfy you for your trouble. Show this to Mr. Gano, and tell him 
we expect him over very soon, and also Mrs. Gano and the children, to 
spend the summer with us. Tell them not to disappoint us. All are well 
with us, and at Middleborough. Mr. Hinds went from here this day. 
Enclosed I send two proposals, etc., which I received this evening from 
poor Boston. Please hand them to Mr. Gano, to use as he thinks proper. 
It is now almost midnight, and I can hardly see ; besides, I have told Mr. 
Gano all I know in a letter written since I received any from him, or I 
would write him now. There are thirty-five or thirtj^-six students in col- 
lege, and many of them fine young men. Tell friends they are remem- 
bered by 

James Manning. 

The correspondence of President Manning, it will be 
observed, abounds in allusions to the oppression of his 
brethren in Massachusetts and elsewhere, on the part of 
the " standing order." This oppression he felt called upon 
to resist to the extent of his ability. To his intelligent 
and active exertions in behalf of religious liberty and 
equality, we of the present day and generation are greatly 
indebted for what we now enjoy as our birthright. 

To set forth in detail the efforts of Manning and his 
contemporaries in this direction, would require more space 
than can be allotted to our present work. For full in- 
formation on the points involved in this controversy, 
the reader is referred to Backus's Church History of 
New England, and especially to Prof Hovey's Memoir 
of the Life and Times of Backus. One effort of Manning 



236 MANNING AND Chap. V. 

demands special mention. During the present year, which 
was a year of marked importance in the history of the 
country, the spirit of resistance to the unjust chiims of 
England had greatly increased among all classes through- 
out the land, until it was at length determined to unite 
the separate colonies in defence of their common rights. 
For tliis purpose a congress of delegates met in Philadel- 
phia, on the 5th of September, 1774. To this meeting it 
was resolved to send Mr. Backus, the agent of the Bap- 
tist churches, to see if something could not be done to 
secure rights and liberties from the government at home, 
as well as the government abroad. Accordingly, at the 
anniversary of the Warren Association, held the week after 
Commencement, the following certificate was given: — 

To the honorable Delegates of the several Colonies in North America, 

met in a general Congress at Philadelphia : 

Honorable Gentlemen: — As the Anti-pedobaptist churches in 
New England are most heartily concerned for the preservation and de- 
fence of the rights and privileges of this countiy, and are deeply affected 
by the encroachments upon the same which have lately been made by 
the British Parliament, and are willing to unite with our dear countrymen, 
vigorously to pursue every prudent measure for relief, so we would beg 
leave to say that, as a distinct denomination of Protestants, we conceive 
that we have an equal claim to charter-rights with the rest of our fellow- 
subjects ; and yet have long been denied the free and full enjoyment of 
those rights, as to the support of religious worship. Therefore we, the 
elders and brethren of twenty Baptist churches, met in Association at 
Medfield, twenty miles from Boston, Sept. 14, 1774, have unanimously 
chosen and sent unto you the reverend and beloved Mr. Isaac Backus, as 
our agent, to lay our case, in these respects, before you, or otherwise to 
use all the prudent means he can for our relief. 

John Gang, Moderator. 
Hezekiaii Smith, Clerk. 

Tlic idea of sending a representative to this congress 



1774-1779. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 237 

originated with Dr. Manning, Hezekiah Smith, John Gano, 
and others, who proposed it to Mr. Backus, at the college 
Commencement. Mr. Backus, having thus been duly ap- 
pointed by the Warren Association, set out for Philadel- 
phia on the 26th of September. His journey occupied 
nearly a fortnight. This circumstance is here mentioned 
to show what travelling facilities were in those days, and 
what sacrifices were sometimes made by those ministers 
who attended from a distance the meetings of the college 
and of the associations. Upon his an'ival in Philadelphia 
he immediately conferred with President Manning, and 
with the Philadelphia Baptist Association, then holding 
its sessions in that city. 

In the evening of Oct. 14, says Backus, "there met at 
Carpenter's HalV Thomas Gushing, Samuel Adams, John 
Adams, and Robert Treat Paine, Esqrs., delegates from 
Massachusetts ; and there were also present James Kinzie 
of New Jersey, Stephen Hopkins and Samuel Ward of 
Rhode Island, Joseph Galloway and Thomas Miflin, Esqrs., 
of Pennsylvania, and other members of Congress. Mr. 
Rhodes, Mayor of the city of Philadelphia, Israel and James 
Pemberton, and Joseph Fox, Esqrs., of the Quakers, and 
other gentlemen ; also Elders Manning, Gano, Jones, 
Rogers, Edwards, ^tc, were present. The conference was 
opened by Mr. Manning, who made a short speech, and 
then read the memorial which we had drawn up." 



1 " On the morning of the 5th of September, 1774, the ' old Congress,' as it is 
now familiarly known in our history, commenced its sessions, in Carpenter's 
Hall in Philadelphia. The place but ill corresponded with the real magnitude 
of the occasion. No tapestry bedecked its walls, no images of sages and heroes 
of other days looked down upon the scene. Yet, to one who could read the fu- 
ture, it would have presented a simple grandeur, such as we may now look for 
in vain within the majestic halls of the Capitol, and amidst the imposing forms 
of the Constitution." —Prof. GammeWs Life of Governor Ward. 



238 MANNING AND Chap. Y. 

This memorial, which may be found in Hovey's Memoir, 
after an eloquent plea in behalf of both civil and religious 
freedom, recounts in brief the various acts of oppression 
which the Baj^tists had suftered in the province of Massa- 
chusetts Bay, commencing with the charter obtained at the 
" happy restoration." What part Manning had in the draft- 
ing of it we cannot now determine. It w^as probably the 
joint production of several hands. The introductory plea 
and the closing remarks may very properly be attributed to 
his skilful pen. A copy was afterwards delivered to each 
of the delegates, together with Mr. Backus's " Appeal to the 
Public." ^ The result of the conference was not at all sat- 
isfactory, John Adams remarking that we might as well 
expect a change in the solar system as to expect that they 
would give up their Establishment ; or, as he himself gives 
the account,^ "they might as well turn the heavenly bodies 
out of their annual and diurnal courses, as the people of 
Massachusetts at the present day from their meeting-house 
and Sunday laws." This effort of Manning and his asso- 
ciates was nevertheless the means indirectly of accomplish- 
ing great good. It opened the minds of the people gen- 
erally to a knowledge of their true position and principles, 
and prepared the way for the astonishing increase of the 
Baptists;"^ and for the remarkable spread of their sentiments 
throughout the land. Doubtless it was one of the impor- 

1 The Ibllovving is the title of this pamphlet, wliich IJackus had prepared aud 
published the previous year: " Au Appeal to the I'ublic lor Kcligious Liberty, 
agaiust (he oi)pressors of the present day. ' Brethren, ye have been called unto 
liberty; ouly use not liberty lor an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one 
another.' Cial. v. 13. Boston : Printed by John Boyle, in Marlborough Street, 
1773." pp. 62. A copy of this rare pamphlet is in the library of the University. 

'■i See Works of John Adams, Vol. II. p. 399. 

' In 17G4, when the college was founded, the Baptists in all America numbered 
only sixty churches, with Jive thousand members or communicants. The lapse of 
a century finds them, with u single exception, the largest denomination of evau- 



1774-1779. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 239 

tant agencies which slowly and silently effected a change 
in the public sentiment of Massachusetts herself, until, in 
1833, the Bill of Rights was so amended, that church and 
state were separated in the old Commonwealth, and soul- 
liberty, as maintained by the Baptists of every age, was 
finally and perfectly secured. 

How this conference of the Baptists with the members 
of Congress was regarded by their opponents, may be seen 
from an extract from a letter of President Manning, dated 
Dec. 2, 1774, which we quote from Hovey's Memoir of 
Backus. The writer states that the following assertions 
in reference to said conference were made by the Rev. Dr. 
Ezra Stiles ; namely : — 

" That the Baptists had made an application to the Congress against the 
Massachusetts Bay ; that the delegates of that province expected only a 
private interview with some of the Baptists ; but instead of that, when 
they came they found a house full, etc. ; that they were attacked and 
treated in the most rude and abusive manner ; that the Baptists pre- 
tended they were oppressed, but, after all their endeavors, they could only 
complain of a poor fourpence ; that they were ashamed of their errand, 
and gave up their point, except one or two impudent fellows, who, with 
Israel Pemberton, abused them in a most scandalous manner ; that all 
the delegates present were surprised at and ashamed of them, and thought 
they complained without the least foundation," etc. Then Dr. Stiles 
added : " When we have the power in our own hands^ we will remember them." 

gelical Christiaus in the United States, — having 588 associations, 12,648 churches, 
and 1,037,576 communicants; also 35 colleges or universities, upwards of 100 
academies, 13 theological schools, and 26 weekly, monthly, semi-monthly, and 
quarterly periodicals. If to this wc add 71,767 Baptists in Nova Scotia, New 
Brunswick, Canada, and the West India Islands, and 499,941 in the United States 
who practise immersion, but are not included among the regular Baptists, we 
have a total of 1,609,284 members, being an increase during the past century of 
more than a million and a half. (See the American Baptist Almanac for 1863. 
Also, the excellent article on Baptists in the " New American Cyclopaedia," by 
the Rev. Dr. J. N. Brown, of Thhiladelpia, and a paper on the " Growth of the 
Baptist Denomination in this Country during the last half Century," read by the 
Rev. Kendall Brooks, at the recent Jubilee Meeting of the American Baptist 
Missionary Union.) 



240 MANNING AND Chap. V. 

The following communication, which we copy from the 
Providence Gazette^ sufficiently exi;)lains the position of 
affairs in reference to the Commencement for 1775 : — 

To the reverend President, honorable Professor, and rest of the honorable 
Corporation of Rhode Island College, — the dutiful petition of the Sen- 
ior Class : 

Most worthy Patrons : — Deeply affected with the distress of our 
oppressed country, which now, most unjustly, feels the baneful eifects of 
arbitrary power, provoked to the greatest height of cruelty and vengeance 
by the noble and manly resistance of a free and determined pcojjle, per- 
mit us, gentlemen, to approach you with this our humble and dutiful peti- 
tion, that you would be pleased to take under your serious consideration 
the propriety of holding the ensuing Commencement in a public manner, 
as usual ; whether such a celebration of that anniversary would be in con- 
formity to the 8th Article of the Association formed by the grand Ameri- 
can Congress, and which all the colonies are now religiously executing ; 
and that you would be pleased to signify unto us your resolution respect- 
ing the same, that we may govern ourselves accordingly. 



JosiAH Read, 
Andrew Law, 
James Fulton, 
College in Providence, June 8, 1775. 



Committee 

iu behalf of the 

Senior Class. 



To this communication the President and Professor thus 
reply : — 

To THE Committee of the Senior Class : 

Gentlemen : — Your dutiful and reasonable petition has been duly 
attended to; and permit us to assure you, that it gives us no small satis- 
faction that the present members of this institution, and particularly the 
respectable Senior Class, are so sensibly affected with the distresses of our 
country in its present glorious struggles for liberty. We rejoice that you 
are so ready to sacrifice that applause to which your abilities would en- 
title you at a public Commencement ; and though by this means you may 
be dei)rived of an advantageous oi)portunity to give proof of your abilities 
in pleading the righteous cause of liberty, for which your predecessors in 
this institution have been justly celebrated, yet you have hereby given us 
a convincing proof of your inviolable attachment to the true interests of 



1774-1779. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 241 

your country. Be assured that we shall most heartily concur in this, and 
every other measure which has been, or may be, adopted by the grand 
American Congress, as well as the Legislature of this colony, in order to 
obtain the most complete redress of all our grievauces ; and deem it the 
greatest honor to which a noble and generous mind can aspire, to con- 
tribute in any degree towards a restoration and reestablishment in our 
country of all those liberties and privileges, both civil and religious, which 
the Almighty Father of the universe originally granted to every individ- 
ual of the human race, and which all ought to enjoy till by law forfeited ; 
which reason claims, which the right of soil, obtained of the natives by 
free purchase, settles upon us ; which our charters insure to us, and which 
have been recognized by Great Britain, and guaranteed to us by the faith 
of the English nation. These inestimable rights and privileges our coun- 
try has for many years enjoyed, — the source of its present wealth and 
strength, more than its fertile soil or healthy climate : by the cruel and 
wanton invasion and violation of these, she now bleeds in almost every 
vein ; and finally it is these that her noble sons, the illustrious American 
patriots, prompted as well as justified by the examples of heroes in all 
ages, are now prepared to defend, by the same means which have hitherto 
preserved the liberties of Great Britain, and raised to royal dignity the 
House of Brunswick. 

And though the din of arms and the horrors of a civil war should in- 
vade our hithei'to peaceful habitations, yet even these are preferable to a 
mean and base submission to arbitrary power and lawless rapine. 

Institutions of learning will doubtless partake in the common calamities 
of our country, as arms have ever proved unfriendly to the more refined 
and liberal arts and sciences ; yet we are resolved to continue college 
orders here as usual, excepting that the ensuing Commencement, by the 
advice of such of the corporation as could be conveniently consulted, will 
not be public. 

James Manning, President. 
David Howell, Philos. Professor. 

College Library, June 9, 1775. 

In accordance with the decisions of the college author- 
ities thus announced, and for the reasons assigned, there 
was no public Commencement, although the graduating 
class consisted of ten, — a larger number than any hereto- 
21 



242 MANNING AND 



Chap. V 



fore. The battles of Lexington and of Bunker Hill had 
electrified the public mind, and turned away its attention 
from the literary performances of the stage to the sterner 
duties of the field and the camp. A prominent member 
of this class was Pardon Bowen, who afterwards became 
one of the most distinguished physicians of Providence. 
He was an active member of the Rhode Island Medical 
Society, and for seven years was its presiding ofiicer. 
Prof Goddard, in Thatcher's Lives of Eminent Physicians, 
has paid a just tribute to his genius and worth. In this 
class also was Robert Rogers, who was elected to the fel- 
lowship in 1788, and who is said to have attended nearly 
every Commencement until his death, in 1835. For sev- 
eral years he taught a classical school in Newport, which 
became one of the nurseries of the college. In this class 
also was Andrew Law, a clergyman wlio, in 1820, received 
the degree of LL.D. from another college. The meeting 
of the corporation this year was rendered memorable by 
the election of John Brown as treasurer, the duties of 
which office he discharged with great ability and accept- 
ance for a period of twenty-two years. 

The next year Commencement was held as usual, and, 
for the first time, in the new Baptist meeting-house. Nine 
young gentlemen graduated and received their diplomas, 
among whom was Daniel Gano, eldest brother of Dr, 
Stephen Gano, Mr. Manning's successor in the pastoral 
office. 

This was the last public Commencement held during tlie 
war. On Saturday, Dec. 7, following, Sir Peter Parker, 
the British commander, with seventy sail of men-of-war, 
anchored in Newport harbor, landed a body of troops, and 
took jiossession of tlic ])lace. Providence was hence all 
in confusion. Troops were massed throughout the town, 
martial law was proclaimed, college studies were inter- 



1774-1779. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 243 

ruptecl, and the students were dismissed to their respect- 
ive-homes, as appears from the following notification of 
the President, published in the Providence Gazette : — 

This is to inform all the students that their attendance on college or- 
ders is hereby dispensed with, until the end of the next spring vacation ; 
and that they are at liberty to return home, or prosecute their studies 
elsewhere, as they think proper ; and that those who pay as particular 
attention to their studies as these confused times will admit, shall then 
be considered in the same light and standing as if they had given the 
usual attendance here. In witness whereof, I subscribe, 

James Manning, President. 
Providence, Dec. 10, 1776. 

The seat of the Muses now became the habitation of 
Mars.i From Dec. 7, 1776, until May 27, 1782, the course 
of studies was suspended, and the college edifice was oc- 
cupied for barracks, and afterwards for a hospital, by the 
American and French forces. 

Dr. Manning having thus far discharged his arduous and 
responsible duties with unwearied assiduity and the most 
gratifying success, now employed this interval of relaxa- 
tion from collegiate service in the labors of the ministry, 
and in various acts of social benevolence which the per- 
ils and distresses of that period in our national history 
prompted him to perform. A letter to his friend the Rev. 
John Ryland, written a few days before the closing of the 
college, gives a vivid idea of the war, regarded by a Chris- 
tian and a philanthropist : — 

Providence, Nov. 13, 1776. 
Reverend and dear Sir : 

After a long interruption of our correspondence, an opportunity again 
offers of sending you a line, by some of our captive brethren, who have 

1 Up to this time the number of college students had steadily increased from 
year to year. In 1769 there were thirteen students ; in 1770, twenty-one ; in 1771, 
twenty-five; in 1772, thirty; in 1773, thirty-three; in 1774, thirty -four; and in 
1775, forty-one students. These facts we learn from a paper preserved on file by 
Judge Howell. 



244 MANNING AND Cfiap. V. 

liberty to return directly to England. The bearer, Mr. Thomas Macka- 
ness, partner with Mr. Thornton, can give you many more particulars of 
our affairs than I can by a letter. 

Since I wrote you last I have seen both glorious and gloomy days. 
The winter before last it pleased God to pour out his Spirit upon tlie 
people of this town in a most glorious manner. I believe about two 
hundred persons were converted within the space of a few months. I 
baptized more than half that number in less than a year. But the fatal 
19th of April, the day of the Lexington battle, like an electric stroke 
put a stop to the progress of the work, as well in other places as here. 
Oh horrid war ! How contrary to the spirit of Jesus ! May you never 
be alarmed, as we have been, with the horrid roar of artillery, and the 
hostile flames, destroying your neighbors' habitations. These I have re- 
peatedly seen and heard, sitting in my house and lying in my bed. I 
desire to bless God, these scenes of carnage always appeared peculiarly 
shocking to me, and I feel no disposition to destroy or injure my fellow- 
men. May the Lord turn the hearts of all to himself! and then I know 
war will instantly cease. The scene of action, in a hostile way, has been 
at the distance of more than two hundred miles from me this campaign, 
and I could wish it had been more than ten thousand, if it must be at all. 
You will not think strange that the colleges have suffered grcatly by this 
tremendous convulsion ; though I believe we have not suffered more than 
our neighbors. Our number is about thirty ; but the high price of every- 
thing amongst us, I fear, will drive some of the students awa3\ 

Eor more than a year the state of religion has been truly lamentable, 
except in some places in Connecticut. But there are pleasing prospects 
opening in several places around us ; I think there are some favorable 
symptoms in my congregation. May the Lord increase these. There 
have been seven Baptist ministers ordained in New England since last 
April, and about that number of churches constituted within about a year. 
These are encouraging circumstances amidst our troubles. 

My dear Brother Gano^ lias suffered grcatly by the war, and wliere he 
now is with his distn-sscd, inimcnMis family, 1 cannot learn, as I have 
never had a line from liini since hv was ol)lig(Nl to (piit New York. 

* Kev. Jolm Gano. lie served as chaplain during the war, and by his patriotic 
counsels and earnest prayers did very much to encouraj^c the olliccrs and pri- 
vates of the American army. Alter the occui)ation of New York by tlie British, 
he retired with his lamily to a farm within live miles of Warwick, near the Kcw 
Jersey line. Mr. Manning vii^ited his family in May, 1779, as we learn from his 
diary or journal. (See Chapter VI.) 



1774-1779. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 245 

There was a glorious revival of religion, last winter, at Hopewell in the 
Jerseys. Ninety were baptized and added to that church in seven months. 
I have heard nothing of the state of religion from the southward for a 
long time ; but I fear that politics and war have not promoted it. If they 
have, they have fared better than New England. 

Mr. Mackaness informs me that there is a glorious revival in many 
parts of Englc^nd, especially in the Establishment. I heartily rejoice to 
hear the news. May the kingdom of the Redeemer come throughout the 
world ! 

The gentlemen you recommended to me as worthy of the honors of 
the college Avere all graduated ; but as the communication was shut up 
their diplomas were never written ; and as I have but short notice of this 
opportunity, and as there is no parchment in the country, I could not 
forward them now. But I hope it may not be long before these obstruc- 
tions may be removed. 

I wish you great success in your labors in the gospel, and many crowns 
of rejoicing in the day of Christ Jesus. If possible, let me have a line 
from you. If not, grant me an interest in your prayers at our Father's 
throne, that I may be kept in the day of temptation, and be enabled to 
fulfil the ministry which I have received. With great respect, and many 
obligations, I remain, dear sir. 

Your unworthy brother in the gospel, 

James Manning. 

The religious awakening to which Dr. Manning here re- 
fers is more particularly described in a letter to the Rev. 
Benjamin Wallin, dated Nov. 12, 1776: — 

Reverend AND dear Sir: 

It is long since I have had the pleasure of hearing from you, or an op- 
portunity of writing to you, in consequence of the perilous times in 
which we live. But I hope, though Great Britain and America are at 
war, that the saints of God do not mean to wage war against each other, 
or suffer their love and affection towards each other in the least to abate, 
because a wise Providence has cast their lot in the respective contending 
countries. I do not think it the business of the ministers of Christ to 
meddle much with politics, as they are concerned to promote a kingdom 
not of this world. You will not, therefore, expect anything from me on 
21* 



246 MANNING AND Chap. V. 

this subject, except so far as the cause of the Redeemer appears to be af- 
fected by the ahirming aspect of public affairs. 

In the beginning of the winter of 1774, it pleased the Lord in a most 
remarkable manner to revive his work in the town of Providence, and 
moi'c especially among the people of my charge. Such a time I never 
before saw. Numbers were pricked to the heart. Our public assemblies 
by night and by day were crowded, and the auditors seemed to hear as 
for the life of their souls. It was frequently an hour before I could get 
from the pulpit to the door, on ace ount of the numbers thronging to have 
an opportunity of stating the condition of their minds, — some exulting in 
the love of God and speaking of a precious Jesus, and others bewailing 
their awful, ruined state, and asking, " What must I do to be saved ? " 
My dear sir, never until now did I so effectually feel tlic insufficiency of 
instruments to afford the poor sinner the least help. How glorious now 
to view the all-sufficient Saviour ! There I would stand pointing to him, 
and saying, " Behold tlie Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the 
world." This was all I could do. Never before did I experience such 
happy hours in the pulpit. Day and night my dear people resorted to 
my house to open to me the state of their souls, insomuch that it was 
with difficulty I could at any time attend to secular business ; and I think 
I may say with truth, that I had as little inclination as leisure for it, fur- 
ther than the absolute demands of duty required. 

And what added peculiarly to my happiness was, that the Lord visited 
the college as remarkably as the congregation. Frequently, when I went 
to the recitation-room, I wouM (iud nearly all the students assembled, and 
joining in prayer and praise to God. Listead of my lectures on logic 
and philosophy, they would request me to speak to them of the things 
concerning tlie kingdom of God. But your experience in the service of 
the dear Redeemer will enable you to form a more adequate idea of the 
concomitant circumstances of such a work of grace than I can here com- 
municate. In a word, the mountains seemed to melt at the presence of 
the Lord ; the pride and liauglitiness of man were laid low ; and the Lord 
alone was exalted. In the space of about six months, I baptized more 
than one hundred persons.' Many were also added to the other churches 
of the town, who, I believe, were first added to the ]>ord. Thus the glo- 
rious work continued, and rather increased, until the fatal 19th of April, 



1 Among those who becanio religious iit this time was Mrs. Planning, whom 
her husband baptized in the month ol" January, 177o. 



1774-1779. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 247 

when the affair at Lexington liappened, which, like an electiic shock, 
filled every mind with horror and compassion. When one would have 
thought this would have promoted seriousness amongst us, it, strange to 
tell, operated the very reverse ; for since the fatal day languor and abate- 
ment of zeal for God seem greatly to have obtained, and instances of 
conversion to Christ are rare. Yet I hope our affairs are now somewhat 
improving. I have often labored to investigate the cause of the almost 
universal decline of vital godliness amongst us since the commencement 
of this unhappy war, but can find no other than that war is in its nature 
a hardening judgment. I have heard of and know many places where 
the Lord by his Spirit appeared to be at work when hostilities com- 
menced, and in every instance the work immediately abated. In one in- 
stance only were they made the means of any considerable awakening. 
Yet, blessed be God ! the dews of divine grace have distilled gloriously in 
many places, and reformations are commencing. I know you will heartily 
join at the throne of grace that Christ's kingdom may so come in both 
countries, yea, in all the world, that war may cease from the ends of the 
earth. I expect Mr. Thomas Mackaness, merchant in partnership with 
Mr. Thornton, will hand you this. He has been a great sufferer by hav- 
ing been taken on his voyage to Quebec, in consequence of which he lost 
vessel and cargo. He can give further information concerning me, if you 
desire. With sincere regards, I am, dear sir. 

Your friend and unworthy brother, 

James Manning. 

The following reply, the last letter from Wallin ever 
received by Manning, shows that war had not alienated 
all our English friends. This fact is delightfully evident 
in the correspondence of a later period. 

Maze Pond, South-wark, Aug. 30, 1777. 
Reverend and dear Sir : 

I embrace the opportunity of acknowledging your very acceptable fa- 
vor, which came to hand in January last. Oh the wonders of Omnipotent 
love ! Peace on earth and good-will to men, dispensed by the everlasting 
gospel in a rebellious world, like the antediluvian, corrupt before God, 
and filled with violence ! It is the Lord's doings, and marvellous in our 



248 MANNING AND Chap. Y. 

eyes. Your striking account of the heavenly visitation on the church and 
college over which you preside filled me with gratitude and joy, as it did 
my people, and indeed many others, ministers and respectable individuals, 
from whom I could not conceal the glad tidings. They proved as cold 
waters to a thirsty soul. Dear sir, if you would have such good news a 
secret, you must not trust a man with it who wishes to spread abroad the 
salvation of God, that all who love it may have continual occasion to glo- 
rify his name. Many thanksgivings redounded to the King of all grace 
upon a rehearsal of this glorious display of his mercy, — an evidence this 
of a genuine love among the saints whose lot is cast in the respective con- 
tending countries, originally united, now waging war, to the grief of all 
who wish well to Great Britian. What stronger proof of this divine 
grace than a free communication and an unfeigned great joy in each 
other's prosperity ! 

It would be pleasing to return a similar account from the mother coun- 
try, but the state of religion is not so delightful and promising. Indeed, 
many preachers go forth, and the number of hearers increases, but it is not 
so strictly in the way of the Lord as I could wish. It seems to me vain- 
glorious, and in some respects tending to confusion, of which God is not 
the author. Among the Episcopalians who have any idea of gospel truth 
(though I think for the most part they arc rather superficial), their way is 
to open a chapel, as they style it, and, having drawn an audience, they 
arc fixed at a custom-rate for their seats. On this plan many, and some 
of them sumptuous buildings have been erected, to which, by report, 
great numbers resort. I would hope by this means some may be led into 
a saving knowledge of Christ, and so far I rejoice ; yet I cannot but la- 
ment the tending and the effect of this carnal contrivance and vague kind 
of social religion to the accommodation of man and the neglect of all 
gospel order. A becoming zeal for this is now a matter of reproai-h with 
many among us, insomuch that the enlightened, who wish to be conformed 
to the positive institutions of the lledceraer, are under great discourage- 
ments, and few join the regular churches of any denomination ; so that a 
godly discipline in particular communion is in a manner out-of-doors. 
The consequence of all this will, I fear, be a still greater declension from 
real and practical piety. The Baptists more especially are obnoNious to 
these popular gentlemen, of which a specimen has lately transpired in an 
abusive pamphlet, by a warm-spirited young clergyman. Irritated by 
some altercations on a late bajiliziiiLi- in tlu^ [)arish of his vicarage, he has 
fallen foul on me for mv little addres.-. to the churches of the Cone;rcga- 



1774-1770. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 249 

tional order, — the first edition of which you have in a volume of mine. 
This piece has nothing to do with the point in debate, and, being anony- 
mous, was by many ascribed to a person of the Independent persuasion 
before the author was discovered. This man holds me up to the public 
as a masterpiece of bigotry, and an enemy to all Pedobaptist communion, 
and at the same time pretends to much candor. 

This newly-adopted mode has already emboldened some froward men to 
set up for themselves, under the color of Protestant dissenters ; and, among 
the rest, lately, one Mr. Dawson, a Sabbatarian Baptist, not long since in 
New England. Alas ! these men make a trade of religion ! It likewise 
favors party divisions in church, too frequent, and which now for the most 
part end in grievous and shameful separations, to the prejudice of broth- 
erly love ; it being the taste of the day to follow new societies and teach- 
ers. This is a melancholy case ; for we know by the disciples at Corinth 
that in this carnal spirit there is little regard to the power and grace of 
God in the increase of his church. 

As to my congregation, they are in general steady, and our church 
state gradually advances. Of late we have been favored with some re- 
markable instances of conversion ; among others, last month I baptized 
four young persons of one family, brothers and sisters in the flesh, the 
children of a deacon lately deceased, who was the second person that 
passed under my hands. This was in the year 1741. Their grandfather 
and grandmother were also valuable members of the church some years 
after I succeeded my honored father in the pastoral charge. The Lord will 
not fail, but may exceed the terms of his promise. His grace is not bound. 
You will not wonder at the joy of the brethren on this singular occasion. 

I fear the Papists take advantage of our civil and religious confusion. 
According to some there are alarming symptoms of their increase in 
our nation and cities. Indeed, unknown and disorderly societies but too 
much favor their design, while the political sentiments of many Protes- 
tants are a hinderance, at least, to their social prayers. But with our God 
nothing is impossible. May he pour out the Spirit from on high on both 
countries, and graciously restore our public tranquillity on an honorable 
and permanent foundation ; and may you, dear sir, enjoy many happy 
hours in the closet and in the pulpit, and again be employed in a field 
white for harvest, as in the year 1775. 

As for me, my age and infirmities promise little furtlicr capacity for 
usefulness. Infinite are the obligations upon me for the grace l)y which 
I have been sustained ihirty-.^even years in the arduous work of the minis- 



250 MANNING AND CnAr. V. 

try. Our great Divine Master cloth not cast off his ohl servants ; yet the 
prayers of my brethren may subserve to a finish with joy ; a request, I am 
persuaded, you will not deny me. 

Having the honor of a place in your library, it seemed decent to present 
a copy of another attempt since my last. Parents, you know, sir, oft show 
their vanity in dressing up their children. Excuse the uniform of the 
eleventh volume. It comes in expectation of the same kind reception 
with that of its preceding companions. If any hints concerning parables 
in general, or that in particular which is the subject in hand, prove per- 
tinent and useful, the author flatters himself that some other pen may 
improve them to public advantage. 

For an increase of the church's prosperity and a period to the national 
trouble,we unite in our prayers to the Most High, with which I conclude. 
Dear sir. 

Your very obliged and affectionate Brother, 

Benj. Wallin. 

P. S. — The copy on The Prodigal presented to the college with my 
most respectful compliments to the venerable members, if it be needful to 
mention so trifling a matter to them, was bound in readiness soon after 
the publication. My notice of this opportunity was short, which it is 
hoped will apologize for the mourning dress of those directed to you and 
the other gentlemen, on whose candor in perusing them I rely. If by 
any means you can inform me of the ai-rival of these, it will be acceptable. 
Before the present interruption to our intercourse took place, I was in 
expectation of soon receiving a digested and authentic account of your 
college, which, I hope, will survive the civil commotions, and prove a 
flourishing seminary of learning under your direction. If this design is 
carried into execution, I hope to be presented with some copies the first 
opportunity. 

The following letter, addressed to Miss A. Howard, in 
Scarboro, England, illustrates the peculiar tact and deli- 
cacy of Dr. Manning in his efforts to alleviate the dis- 
tressed, and to give sympathy and counsel to the bereaved 
and unfortunate. In a footnote he remarks that the letter 
actually sent to Miss Howard was greatly altered and en- 
larged from this, which seems to be the first copy. Capt. 



1774-1779. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 251 

Bell, it appears, was taken with his vessel, by some of our 
cruisers, and brought into Providence, where he died. He 
was engaged to be married to the lady in question, who, 
as will be observed, was an entire stranger to Manning. 

Providence;, New England, Nov. 19, 1776. 
Dear Madam : 

I hope you will excuse the forwardness of a stranger in addressing a 
line to you, when I inform you of the amiable character given you by my 
dear unfortunate friend, Mr. Thomas Mackaness ; as also from the sym- 
pathetic feelings of my heart under the distress which the news of the 
unexpected and truly lamentable death of the dear Capt. Bell must occa- 
sion, especially considering the endearing relation which, I am informed, 
he soon expected to stand in to you. Horrid war ! What havoc dost 
thou make ! To glut thy rage, must the youthful, amiable, virtuous, and 
what exceeds all these, must the singularly pious B^l fall a victim to thy 
relentless stroke ! Must the hearts of tender parents bleed ? Must more 
than half of all your happiness on earth perish ? Must the dear bereaved 
church at Hull be bathed in tears ? Must the tender orphans, his peculiar 
care, bewail the loss of their kindest benefactor, under thy unnatural 
domain ? 

But why do I open afresh the wounds which, long ere this arrives, have 
often bled 1 You, doubtless, have oft portrayed the bliss of the intended 
conjugal relation, and recounted the joys of such a virtuous connection, 
which, by a stroke, is now all blasted, and you sit solitary as one forsaken, 
and, in the plaintive strain of the sweet singer of Israel, cry, Lover and 
friend hast thou removed from me, and mine acquaintance into darkness. 
" I shall no more see good in the land of the living." But stop, my 
friend ! Wliy these unavailing sighs "? Eor whom do you thus lament 1 
Is it for him who was so fully ripe for heaven, that earth was no longer 
for him a fit habitation, — for him whose heart and conversation were so 
in heaven, that the Redeemer chose to receive him to that society where, 
unmolested, he might sing those songs of praise, and give full scope to 
that ardor of spirit, which he had here so oft attempted, and so uniformly 
felt? True, the loss to you is great ; but greater far, to him, the gain. 
And could you wish to disengage him from that blessed employment, — 
from that glorious society for which you long, and where you hope to 
bear a part in those anthems of praise to God and the Lamb forever 1 



252 MANNING AND Chap. V. 

Can you desire that he, disengaged from every earthly clog, should again, 
for many painful years, groan under the weight of a body of death, and 
see the object of his highest love through faith's dim medium, as we do 
now, and mourn his absence from our Fatlier's house, — and all this to 
gratify and assist you through this painful journey home to glory ? No, 
madam ; both reason and religion forbid this selfish passion ; and, pain- 
ful as the thought of separation is, I know your generous soul can't wish 
it. You only mourn that you are left behind, and that our degenerate 
world has lost his bright example. But remember that he has left you in 
better hands, — that the swift-revolving years will soon land you at the 
same peaceful haven, where not only he but Jesus waits to welcome trav- 
ellers home. Instead of pensive sadness, then, cheer up, and, as the poet 
sung, let us go singing on. It will render the journey less painful ; and 
perhaps more than half the way is passed. Remember that now your at- 
tachment to heaven is stronger than ever. There your best friend, your 
kindred dwell, there God your Saviour reigns. May he grant you his divine 
presence to support you under the sore affliction, and abundantly sanctify 
his hand to you, that you may be more and more prepared for glory. 
Had I great interest at a throne of grace, you should not want a share of 
it ; for I think if joining in your sorrow and mingling a friendly tear 
will alleviate your grief, I have borne a part for you. 

Since the ship was taken and brought in here, I have often thought I 
should have been peculiarly ha])i)y had it been the will of Heaven to have 
spared the life of the dear man whose untimely death more than British 
friends lament. But here I find my want of submission to the will of God ; 
for I am only happy Avhen from the heart I can say to God, Thy will be 
done. 

Probably I shall never see your foce in the llcsh ; but should this hap- 
piness be denied me, I hope to see you where there shall be no more sor- 
row nor sighing ; where God shall wipe away ever}- tear from our eyes ; 
where wo shall see, not only the dear man whom we lament, but all the 
saints on earth, with those uncalled as yet, with Abraham, Isaac, and 
Jacob, with the apostles and prophets, and the general assembly of those 
whose names arc written in heaven, with Jesus, the mediator, at their 
head, and God the Judge of all. Oh ! what a glorious day when we shall 
rise to this exalted station ! My dear friend, let us, then, walk worthy of 
such a calling ; that whether we are absent or present in body, we may be 
present with the Lord. And here, I recollect, we may have an interview ; 



1774-1779. BR0W:N^ UNIVERSITY. 253 

I mean at the throne of grace. Wishing you the highest possible happi- 
ness, 1 subscribe myself, madam. 

Your friend and servant, 

James Manning. 

The following letter to the Rev. John Berriclge, of Lon- 
don, shows Dr. Manning in the light of a controversialist. 
How skilfully he could handle the weapons of polemic 
warfare, will best be learned from its perusal. The pun- 
gency of its wit, the force of its argument, and the excel- 
lence of its style and spirit, amply compensate for its 
unusual length. 

Providence, New England, Nov. 19, 1776. 
Reverend and dear Sir : 

Lately, through the kindness of my friend Mr. Thos. Mackaness, of 
London, I had the perusal of the " Christian World Unmasked. Pray, 
Come and Peep. By John Berridge, A.M., etc." 8vo. Lond. 1773. I 
accepted the invitation, and found the book in general corresponded well 
to the titlepage, until I came to pp. 223-5, inclusive, when I peeped 
again, but could not discover the least gleam of light, and therefore con- 
cluded the mask was in the way ; when, lo ! I turned to my New Testa- 
ment, and found that light which is concealed by a veil while we search 
the Old for New Testament oi'dinances. Ay, Baptist, Baptist; I thought 
you was a water-fowl when you referred to the pages. Well, be it so ; if 
he can be an instrument to pick open your eyes a little wider, I hope you 
will have no objection to him on that account. You say, " I would hate no 
man, and do condemn no man for thinking differently in this matter." 
Now if you mean to place the emphasis on thinking, I think I shall not 
fare well for saying differently. However, as you have made very free 
with the Grazier, I hope I may with the Doctor, upon the same principle, 
without offence. 

You say that you have no doubt that infant-baptism is attended with 
the same blessing now that infant-circumcision was formerly. Both the 
ordinances are of God's appointment, etc. Till now, I find you produc- 
ing plain Scripture warrant for the glorious doctrines you advance. And 
must we onlj rely upon the Doctor's bare word for the truth of tiiis last 
22 



254 MANNING AND Chap. V. 

assertion? What shall I say, then, to that voice I hear from Heaven, 
" TJiis is my beloved Son, hear ye him," and tliat, too, in the presence of 
Moses and Elias ? Pray, Doctor, have me excused till you point me to 
the page where this great prophet authorizes 3'ou to say this. I have 
carefully examined the dispensatory, but can find no such prescription 
between the lids of it. You ask why Christian children may not be re- 
ceived into the church's fold by baptism, as were the Jewish by circum- 
cision. Answer : The former was by God's special appointment, but 
not the latter. Surely, then, wide is the difference in their case. To say 
nothing is said to forbid them, is not sufficient to a truly Christian Protes- 
tant doctor ; for if it is necessary, tot idem verbis, for the Scripture to forbid 
everything practised under the name of Christianity, which is, notwith- 
standing, contrary to the true genius of the gospel, it would require a 
Bible ten times as large as Dr. Gill's Exposition of it. And then what 
should we field-preachers and the recruiting sergeants of the country do "? 
But pray, Doctor, is baptism a moral precept, or an institution purely 
positive ■? If the latter, why need we wreck and torture our brains to find 
a reason for eitlier mode or subjects, time or place, or anything further 
than what the New Testament simply informs us concci-ning it, as there 
is the only place where we should look for it ? Or Avhy need we be dis- 
tressed how little children should be brought to Christ, while he has not 
seen fit to teach us the way in which it should be done ? 

In the next paragraph, you say that children dying unbaptized are left 
to God's uncovenanted mercy ; and what that is, no mortal can tell. But 
I think I will undertake to tell what it is when the Doctor gives me a sat- 
isfactory account how baptismal water, through the grace of Christ, does 
wash away the (juilt of original or birth-sin (so that dying before they can 
discern between good and evil, etc., they will be saved), consistent with 
the whole tenor of the rest of this performance, where the merits of Christ, 
applied by the Spirit of God, alone cleanses from sin ; especially at the 
top of page 223, where the Doctor asserts that right to pardon, and a 
claim to eternal life, are wholly treasured up in Christ, and only are at- 
tained through faith in him ; — I say, when the Doctor gives a solution of 
this Gordian knot, I will undertake the other part ])romised. Will the 
Doctor assert that infants, who are not capable of discerning between good 
and evil, are capable of believing in a gospel sense ? If not, will he as- 
sert that they will be saved without a right to pardon, or any claim to eternal 
life, which are blessings treasured up in Christ ? I cannot see how this diffi- 
culty can be solved, without recourse to believing by proxy, which I 



1774-1779. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 255 

thiuk the Doctor will not recur to, lest the Grazier should learn the trick, 
and get the curate to believe, in his stead, that he might follow more 
agreeable business and yet be safe, and after all vanquish the Doctor with 
his own weapon. But if there is so much efficacy in baptism, it is a pity 
everybody should not partake of it. And pra}^, can anybody administer 
it that pleases ? or must he be a clergyman 1 If so, alas ! what shall our 
poor American church-people do ? For since the King's naughty minis- 
ters undertook to enslave the colonies, the rebel congresses, conventions, 
committees, etc., have forbid the clergy to pray for the King, and they arc 
so sulky that they will neither preach, pray, baptize, nor anything else.^ 
And now must the poor infants who may happen to die all perish through 
their obstinacy, the wickedness of the congresses, and the King's ministers ? 
If this be the case, I hope the Doctor's patriotism will furnish the minority 
with a new argument, to urge at the next sitting of Parliament the repeal 
of the laws ; and which must be very forcible, for I do not believe that ad- 
ministration ever intended to kill our souls. I know pious Lord Dartmouth 
will turn about ; for it is storied in America that he was very squeam- 
ish when the}'' determined to kill only their bodies. I was glad, however, 
to find, with the Grazier, you was not " forgetting Jesus Christ to help out 
some defects," in which you put the grace of Christ together with " bap- 
tismal water," — especially as a man of a plain understanding might con- 
clude the former quite sufficient of itself; though the Doctor seems to have 
given baptismal water the preference, agreeable to the Grazier's method 
of discharging sinful debts, or paying a decent part of the shot himself, 
and leaving Jesus to discharge the rest of the reckoning. But how will 
this comport with the sentiment advanced in page 17G : " It matters not at 
all whether the work be ritual or moral, while we seek to be saved by it. If 
we seek at all to be saved by any -svork of our own, we fall from grace. '^ 
Pray, Doctor, is not baptism as much a work as circumcision ? 

On page 224 you quote God's declaration to Abraham, long before Jesus 

1 Perhaps Dr. Manning is too sweeping in his remarks touching the loyalty of 
the Episcopal clergy. It is certain, however, tliat there was ample foundation 
for such remarks. In the chapter of Staples's Annals devoted to ecclesiastical 
history, we find that the Rev. John Graves, who was tlie rector of the Episcopal 
church in Providence until July, 1776, declined to ofiiciate after that period, 
because he could not be permitted to read the usual and ordinary prayers for 
the King, which he considered himself bound by his ordination vows to ofler. 
The church was in consequence closed, most of the time, during the war of the 
Eevolution. For a clear account of the relations of the Church of England to 
the American Colonies, see Thornton's " Pulpit of the American Revolution." 



256 MANNING AND Chap. V. 

was given, " That aa uncircuracised child shall be cut off from his peo- 
ple ; he hath broken ray covenant " (Gen. xvii. 16), and say the covenant 
here spoken of is not the Sinai covenant, but the covenant of grace. 
Circumcision was the outward sign of this covenant to Abraham, as bap- 
tism is to us. The outward rite is different, but the covenant the same. 
This I compared with pp. 33, 144, where I find it thus written : " If you 
desire benefit from the covenant of grace, you must be baptized, and if 
you seek advantage from the covenant of works, you must be circumcised. 
A rite of initiation is appointed to both the covenants, and you cannot 
enter into both without partaking of the double rite." " In a covenant 
of works a man must work for life by his own will and power," etc. " The 
tenor of this covenant is, do and live, transgress and die," etc. " In the 
covenant of grace all things are purchased for us, and bestowed upon us 
generously and freely. These two covenants are called the old and the 
new ; no more are noticed in Scripture ; and a suitable law respecting 
both is mentioned, — the law of works and the law of faith (Rom. iii. 27). 
All other laws are cobwebs of a human brain, such as the law of sincere 
obedience, the law of love," etc. And pray why not the law of infant- 
baptism ? Now if the covenant made with Abraham was the covenant 
of grace, and circumcision was the sign of it, why are we told that if we 
desire benefit from the covenant of works we must be circumcised 1 It 
cannot be because these two very different covenants have the same rites 
of initiation ; because the Doctor says their rites are different, unless the 
covenant of grace in Abraham's days is a covenant of works in ours ; for 
there are but two covenants, the old and the new, noticed in the Scrip- 
tures. 

But I will leave you to compare these passages yourself, without further 
insisting upon their inconsistency, and come to the dernier resort : " T]iat 
no harm can possibly arise from baptizing an infant." Stop, Doctor, 
stop ; these expressions are very strong, — I fear much too strong. For 
did not the Doctor say, page 222, " That much people, who are strangers 
to the work of regeneration, suppose the new birth is only their baptism, 
and that every one is born again who is baptized ? " And is it strange they 
should think so when they hear thanks returned to God on its perform- 
ance, that it is so by the doctors appointed to that service ? Surely, to lead 
such multitudes into error in such an important article as tliat of regen- 
eration, cannot be such a harmless thing, especially if wo believe our 
Saviour's account of it (John iii. 3). Besides, it makes great doctors con- 
tradict themselves when they write or talk about the covenants. If I was 



1771-1770. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 257 

one of those doctors, I should think tliis was some harm. But, most of 
all, it is invading the kingly office of the great Redeemer ; for I can see 
no reason wh}"- the merits of saints may not be mingled with the merits of 
Christ to save the Christian, as the laws or ordinances of men with those 
of Christ to rule and govern it. Shall we, like Uzzah, not trust the Lord 
whoUij with his ark, but must have a meddling finger ? I forbear to recite 
the following part of your sentence. I must mention one more evil which 
arises from baptizing infants, which is this : The practice constrains tho.se 
servants of God Avho practise it often to wrest and explain away th.c 
plain, obvious sense of Scripture to vindicate it ; especially to give sucli 
representations of the covenant of grace as mars its glory, and encour- 
ages the opposers of the glorious doctrines of grace in rejecting the piw-e 
gospel of Jesus Christ. This has often grieved my heart, and in no case 
more than in reading your book, where the glorious Redeemer is exalted 
in his office, nature and grace, and tlie pride of man stained, until you 
get hampered, as I think, with infant-baptism, which neither we nor our 
fathers are able to prove was ever the mind of Christ. Upon this prin- 
ciple I concluded to address to you a line ; not under the notion of a dis- 
p tation, but in a friendly way to hint at what I thought mistakes in your 
performance. 

You may probably esteem me rigid, from this specimen, and greatly at- 
tached to externals ; but I think otherwise of myself. I think I love the 
followers of the Lamb, under whatever denomination they pass amongst 
men. I esteem them my brethren, and feel disposed to make all proper 
allowances for the prejudices of education, and the weaknesses of human 
nature, knowing that I myself also am in the body, and peculiarly need 
the candor of ray Christian friends. I \\o\xi, therefore, that the benevo- 
lence of my intentions will apologize for the rudeness of my manner. I 
shall always rejoice to hear that dear Mr. Berridge is alive for God, — is 
held as a star in the right hand of Jesus, and is honored with many seals 
of his ministry, even though he should continue to tliink and practise 
very different from myself relative to the mode and subjects of baptism ; 
though I sincerely pray that you may be set entirely right in this matter. 
And blessed be God, he has left us a rule which is able to make wise unto 
salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. May all our doctrines and prac- 
tices be governed by that ; and may the Spirit of truth lead us into all 
truth, and ever keep us humble, solely relying on the Lord for those sup- 
22* 



2r)<S MANNING AND Chap. V. 

plies of grace and help which we always need. May the God of Blessing 
bless you. I am, reverend and dear sir, 

Your friend and servant in the gospel, 

James Manning. 

On Wednesday, Sept. 3, 1777, the members of the cor- 
poration, as appears from the records, met in the new 
Baptist meeting-house, and conferred degrees upon seven 
members of the Senior Class, who had been examined the 
day previous, in accordance with the following, which we 
take from the Providence Gazette. There was no Com- 
mencement : — 

As the term of vacation in the college is now expired, the students are 
hereby informed, that, in the present state of public affairs, the prosecu- 
tion of studies here is utterly impracticable, especially while this continues 
a garrisoned town. It is therefore recommended to them to prosecute 
their studies elsewhere for the present, to the best advantage in their 
power. The Senior Class are desired to meet at the college, to pass their 
examination, and receive their degrees at the usual time, being the 2d day 
of September next, unless the college should be called together sooner. 
In behalf of the corporation, 

James Manning. 

Providence, May 16, 1777. 

There was no further meeting of the corporation held 
until May 5, 1780, when an attempt was made to revive 
the instruction of the college. 

The years following the breaking up of the college were 
seasons of great distress. Many families left the town, 
unable to obtain a subsistence. The records of the church 
show that members of influence and property, some of 
them warm personal friends of Manning, were really ob- 
jects of commiseration. It was the delight of the pastor, 
in this hour of trial, when members of his flock were scat- 
tered by the war, and the influences of literature seemed 



1771-1779. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 259 

paralyzed, to aid the needy, and to throw the sunshine of 
Christian sympathy around the path of the afflicted. His 
knowledge of the world, his courtly manners, his Christian 
meekness, combined with his extraordinary energy of char- 
acter, enabled him to move at ease in every class of soci- 
ety, and thus to promote the good of all. The following 
instance of his humane disposition is thus related by 
Plowland, in his brief memoir of Dr. Manning, published 
in the year 1815 in the Rhode Island Literary Repos- 
itory ; — 

" He enjoyed the confidence of the general commanding in this depart- 
ment, and in one instance in particular had all the benevolent feelings of 
his heart gratified, even at the last moment, after earnest entreaty, by ob- 
taining from General Sullivan an order of reprieve for three men of the 
regular army who Avere sentenced to death by that inexorable tribunal, a 
court-martial. The moment he obtained the order revoking the sentence, 
he mounted his horse at the General's door, and, by pushing him to his 
utmost speed, arrived at the place of execution at the instant the last act 
had begun which was to precipitate them into eternity. With a voice 
which none could disobey, he commanded the execution to stay, and de- 
livered the General's order to the officer of the guard. The joy of the 
attending crowd seemed greater than that of the subjects of mercy ; they 
were called so suddenly to life from the last verge of death, they did not 
for a moment feel that it was a reality." 

In the same memoir Mr. Ilowland thus relates the his- 
tory of an important civil function which was confided to 
Dr. Manning, and by him most skilfully discharged : — 

" The repeated calls of the militia, while the enemy remained in this 
State (Rhode Island), operated with peculiar severity. In some districts 
the ground could not be planted, and in others the harvest was not 
reaped in season ; the usual abundance of the earth fell sliort, and he who 
had the best means of supply frequently had to divide his store with a 
suffering neighbor. In addition to this, laws existed in several States 
prohibiting the transport of provisions beyond the State boundary. The 



200 MANNING AND Chap. V. 

plea for these restrictions was that there was clangor of the enemy being 
supplied ; but the real cause was to retain the provisions for the purpose 
of furnishing their State's quota of troops, as the Avar was generally car- 
ried on by the energy of the governments of the individual States. These 
restrictions came with double weight on the citizens of Rhode Island, as 
a great part of the State was in the possession of the enemy, and the 
remainder was filled with those who had fled from the islands and the 
coasts for safety. These restrictions and prohibitions were variously 
modified ; but under all their variations, which referred chiefly to the mode 
of executing the law, the grievance was the same. The Governor and 
council of war of Rhode Island, wishing to give their language of remon- 
strance a power of impression which paper could not be made to convey, 
commissioned Doctor Manning to repair to Connecticut, and represent, 
personally, to the government of that State our peculiar situation, and to 
confer with and propose to them a different mode of procedure. The 
Doctor in this embassy obtained all that he desired ; the restrictions were 
removed, and, in addition to this, on his representation of the circum- 
stances of the refugees from the islands, contributions, in money or pro- 
visions, were made in nearly all the parishes in the interior of Connecticut, 
and forwarded for their relief." 

# 

In this connection we cannot refrain from quoting an- 
other anecdote of Manning, as an illustration of his readi- 
ness to use every opportunity to benefit the souls of his 
fellow-men. We find it in Stone's Life and Recollections 
of Ilowland. In May, 1780, occurred "the dark day," so 
often referred to by the chroniclers of that period.^ At 
noon all ordinary business was suspended. Fowls sought 
their roosts, cattle retired as at night, and men stood ap- 
palled at the dread appearances. " I went," says How- 
land, " into the street, where many persons were assembled, 
and among others Dr. Manning. A powerful man, but 
profligate, advanced up to the President, and said, * IIow 



1 For an account of tlic " Dark Day," by Prof. Williams, see Memoirs of the 
American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Vol. I. See also Holmes's Life of 
Stiles, p. 2G5. 



1774-1779. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 261 

do you account for this darkness, sir? what does it mean ? ' 
The President, with great solemnity of manner, replied, 
'I consider it, sir, as a prelude to that great and important 
day when the final consummation of all things is to take 
place.'" 

A letter which we find addressed to his friend and for- 
mer pupil the Rev. Thomas Ustick, now in Ashford, Con- 
necticut, shows that the college was uppermost in all his 
thoughts and plans, even though the fortunes of war had 
suspended its public exercises : — 

Pkovidence, Nov. 17, 1778. 
Dear Sir : 

I am told that Mr. Kelly has entirely quitted Pomfret, to their great 
disappointment. There was a large gathering of people attended, and the 
prospect was encouraging of great good to be done there. In a letter to 
Brother Thurber, I mentioned the probability of your supplying them, at 
least for the present, and perhaps of settling amongst them for life, if 
you and they are blessed together. Should that be the case, it would be a 
good place for a Latin school, a nursery for the college, which I wish 
you immediately to engage in, and endeavor to influence as many as you 
can of our people to educate their children. The present state of the 
Baptist society in New England must convince us all of the importance 
of having men of education in all parts of the country. I am very sorry 
that I did not think to mention something of this to the Association ; but 
I have written and am about writing to all our ministers capable of teach- 
ing Latin, to immediately engage in the business. I hope, from present 
appearances, that college orders may be again revived next spring. I 
think you ought at least to visit Pomfret, and help them under their pres- 
ent disappointment, as I understand you do not preach statedly at Ash- 
ford, and that you are nearly convinced that it will not be best for you to 
settle at that place. With respects to you and yours, 

I remain, etc., 

James Manning. 

A letter from Judge Howell, resigning his place as Pro- 
fessor of Philosophy in the college, may fitly close this 
chapter : — 



262 MANNING AND BROWN UNIVERSITY. ' Chap. Y. 

Providence, March 11, 1779. 

Sir : — Having ever been impressed with a just sense of the honor con- 
ferred upon me in my appointment to the place of Professor of Philoso- 
phy in Rhode Island College, it becomes me, with much freedom and sin- 
cerity, to acknowledge it. 

I have ever admired the liberal and catholic plan of this college, and 
esteemed it worthy of the State that gave it birth and patronage, which 
has induced me for many years assiduously and cheerfully to contribute 
towards establishing it on a footing, with respect to credit and finances, 
which might entitle it to more able teachers. That our young seminary 
had well-nigh attained this state of maturity, all circumstances conspired 
to afford us the most flattering prospect, before the commencement of the 
present war. 

Although experimental philosophy was the direct object of my pro- 
fession, yet other branches of learning were devolved upon me. How far 
my honest endeavors to initiate my pupils in the rudiments of classical 
learning, and instil into their minds the elementary principles of law, tho 
parent of science, and my favorite theme, have been attended with suc- 
cess, and answered the good purposes of my appointment, is submitted to 
your honor, tiie corporation, the sons of the college, and the public to 
determine. 

Having at length given over all hopes of a revival of classical instruc- 
tion in this college during the continuance of the war, and not^feeling 
disposed so far to take advantage of public munificence as to continue to 
avail myself of the emoluments of an office without discharging its du- 
ties, I have thought fit, not without weighty deliberation, to resign the 
professorship. 

I am, sir, your most obedient humble servant, 

David How^ell. 

Chancellor Hopkins. 



CHAPTEH VI. 

JOURNEY TO PHILADELPHIA. 

April 29 — Sept. 29, 1779. 

Distressed condition of the people of Eliode Island in 1779 — Probable reasons 
for a journey to Philadelphia — Diary or Journal — Manning sets out from 
Providence Thursday, April 29 — Sunday, May 2, preaches at Mr. James Thur- 
ber's in the forenoon, and at Mr. Thompson's in the afternoon — Thursday, May 
6, Continental Fast — Preaches in the afternoon for Kev. Dr. Nathan Strong, 
of Hartford —Saturday, May 8, preaches to Seventh-day Baptists in Farming- 
ton — Description of the country — Sunday, May 9, preaches for Rev. Judah 
Champion, pastor of the Congregational church in Litchfield — Monday, 
crosses chains of tremendous mountains — Tuesday, May 11, preaches in the 
evening at Mr. Waldo's — Wednesday, 12, crosses Continental Ferry — Thurs- 
day, 13, reaches the family of his brother-in-law, Eev. John Gano — Sunday, 
16, preaches twice for Kev. Mr. Eandall's people — Tuesday, 18, assists his 
nephews in planting — Sunday, 23, preaches again for Mr. Eandall at Warwick 
— Monday, 24, sets out for the Jerseys — Reaches Mrs. Manning's home in the 
evening — May 27, visits Elizabethtowu, his native place — Sunday, 30, preaches 
at the Scotch Plains Church — Meeting interrupted by the march of the 
American forces — Sunday, June 6, preaches with Mr. Stelle, to a large au- 
dience — Saturday, 12, preaches at the Scotch Plains Church — Sunday, 13, 
preaches again and administers communion — Sunday, 20, preaches at Lion's 
Farms — Monday, June 21, sets out for Philadelphia — In the evening preaches 
at Samuel Randolph's — June 24, visits Dr. Vankirk, and preaches in the even- 
ing—Accounts of Grain and Indian Corn — June 27, tarries with Rev. Wil- 
liam Van Horn at Southampton, and preaches -Fruit in this neighborhood 
cut off by the frost — Crops fine — Monday, June 28, reaches Fennepek, and 
tarries with Rev. Dr. Samuel Jones five days— Sketch of Dr. Jones — July 2, 
Manning arrives at Philadelphia — Puts up at William Goforth's — Calls ou 
Samuel Davis, William Rogers, Mr. Watkius, Mr. Westcot, Dr. Rush, Mr. 
Moulders, Mr. Hart, and Robert S. Jones— Financial embarrassments of the 
country — Mr. Joseph Hart of the Executive Council spends the evening at 
his lodgings — July 3, breakfasts with Dr. Rush — Inquires of Mr. Collins, a 
member of Congress, relative to the money question — Dines at Mr. Red- 
wood's with Hon. William Ellery — Sunday, July 4, preaches twice — General 



264 MANNING AND Chap. VI. 

Spencer, a member of Congress, spends Ibo evening with him — Monday, July 
5, importuned by a Committee of the First Baptist Church to tarry with them 
a long time — Sets out in the afternoon for Dr. Jones's — July 7, sets out for 
Bordentowu — July 9, preaches in the evening — July 11, preaches at Cran- 
berry — Sick with diarrhoea — July 13, preaches at the Baptist meeting — July 
16, sets out for riscataway — Mrs. Manning ill — July 17, preaches at Sabba- 
tarian meeting — July 18, preaches for Mr. Stelle twice — July 19, returns to 
the Farms — Report concerning General Wayne and Stony Foiut —July 23, 
sets out for Hopewell — July 25, preaches twice and administers the commun- 
ion — July 2G, preaches in the afternoon — July 27, -dines at John llarfs, Kew- 
town — July 29, sets out again for Philadelphia — July 30, visits in town — 
Sees the prisoners taken at Stony Point — Aug. 1, preaches twice — Letters 
from friends — Aug. 5, call from Rev. Morgan Edwards — Aug. 7, visits Capt. 
Falkner, in company with Edwards — Aug. 8, preaches in town three times 

— Aug. 10, visits Col. Miles, in company with Edwards and Jones — Descrip- 
tion of his country-seat — Weather — Crops — Aug. 14, preaches in the even- 
ing — Aug. 15, preaches twice, and attends funeral of a child — Aug. 16, sets 
out for Mr. Jones's at Pennepek — Finds Mr. Edwards there — Aug. 17, sets 
out for the Jerseys — Visits his family and friends — Sept. 8, sets out for Prov- 
idence — Sept. 11, reaches the home of his brother-in-law, Mr. Gano, and 
next day preaches twice at Warwick — Sept. 14, meets Lieut. Hubbel on the 
road, who had come from Kewburgh with an invitation from West Point- 
Sept. 16, goes down to West Point by water in Lieut. Hubbel's boat — De- 
scription of the Fort and Grounds — Introduced to Scrgeon McDugal — Dines 
at General Green's quarters with his family — Is introduced to General 
Washington, General Knox, Baron Steuben, the French Ambassador, and 
others — Returns up the river — Sept. 17, sets out from the Continental Ferry 

— Journey through Connecticut — Description of the country — Character of 
the inhabitants — Manner of conducting town meetings — Ravages of the war 

— Reaches home, Sept. 29. 

The year 1779 was one of great trial and of severe suffer- 
ing to the inhabitants of Rhode Ishmd. For nearly two 
years Narragansett Bay and all the island towns, at least 
one fourth of the State, had been in possession of the en- 
emy. External trade was almost entirely suspended, and 
the people were unable to procure any adequate supi)ly of 
the necessaries of life. Nearly every able-bodied man 
was in service, either in the State militia or the Continen- 
tal army, and even tlie negroes and Indian slaves were 
enlisted as soldiers. The price of labor and of all articles 
of merchandise was fixed by legislative decree. The taxes 



1779. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 265 

imposed by the State were enormous ; amounting this year 
to £495,000, and in the year following to four times this 
sum. Paper money, which had greatly depreciated in 
value, was made a legal tender in the payment of debts ; 
and so easily was it counterfeited, that not even the Sec- 
retary of State could distinguish the genuine from the 
spurious. In addition to all this, the national cause had 
encountered reverses. Congress was reduced to a very low 
ebb, the ablest members having left it, and the prospect of 
independence and peace was overcast with shadows and 
doubts. 

It was in reference perhaps to this alarming state of the 
currency of the country, and in the hope of aiding by coun- 
sel or otherwise his distressed-fellow townsmen, that Dr. 
Manning set out on a journey to Philadelphia, visiting on 
the way his relatives in New York and New Jersey. In 
company with his wife he left Providence on the 29th of 
April, returning on the 29th of September. He was thus 
absent just five months, having passed through the States 
of Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and 
Pennsylvania. The following diary or journal was kept 
by him as they travelled from day to day. It abounds in 
historical incidents and allusions, and presents an excellent 
daguerreotype view of the author's private life. As an 
illustration of the times in which he lived, and of the 
general condition of society, it is an exceedingly valuable 
document. We have therefore devoted to it an entire 
chapter, illustrating it with such notes as seemed desirable 
for the better understanding of the text. As an evidence 
of Dr. Manning's popularity as a jDreacher, and of his love 
for this kind of work, it may be added, that his services 
were called into requisition forty-eight times during this 
journey to Philadelphia and the Jerseys. He preached 
23 



266 MANNING AND Chap. YI. 

in meeting-houses of different denominations, in private 
dwellings, and even in stores and jolaces of business, as the 
reader will observe. 

manning's journal. 

Set out from Providence Thursday, 29th of April, at six o'clock P. M. 
Reached Col. Abraham "Winsor's in the evening ; began to rain ; were 
hospitably entertained ; ten miles. Friday morning, 30th. A cold north- 
east storm ; broke away at eight o'clock A. M., but remained showery and 
very blustering. Travelled to Mr. John Brown's farm at Chepachet, six 
miles. Refreshed ourselves and horse, and proceeded to Capt. Corlis's, 
Killingly, twelve miles. The roads extremely bad. Spent the afternoon 
and evening, and the next forenoon of May 1, in visiting them and Mr. 
Jones's family. Set out after dinner and visited Gov. Sessions, who has 
a most excellent farm in good order. After tea travelled to Mr. Benjamin 
Thurber's in Pomfrct, six miles. The roads better ; tarried over Lord's 
Day. 

Sunday, May 2. Preached at INIr. James Thurber's, three miles back, 
in the morning, and at Mr. Thompson's in the afternoon. Preached a 
lecture at Mr. B. Thurber's at five o'clock ; the house crowded and the 
audience very attentive and affected. Visited Paul Tew, Esq., at "Wood- 
stock, Monday, May 3, A. M. and P. M. Mr. Gaboon's family, and 
dined ; also Mr. Lee's, Thompson's, B. Lindsey's, and Esquire Frink's. 
Borrowed Mr. Lindsey's trunk ; left ours, a jacket, pattern for breeches, 
white gown, black wool hat. Hart's Hymns, and some valuable papers, in 
Mr. Thurber's care. Set out Tuesday morning, May 4, and visited Col. 
Nightingale, three miles. Si)ent the forenoon and dined. Ho lives most 
elegantly ; has a grand farm ; entertained us hosjiitably. Then pro- 
ceeded to Mr. Jeremiah Brown's, two and one half miles ; ascended a 
tremendous hill, refreshed, and proceeded two and one half miles to Capt. 
Bowles's, Ashford. Tarried all night, well entertained, and set out on the 
morning of the 5th. Travelled six miles to Stephen Snow's, refreshed, 
and then reached Mr. Robinson's, a pious Baptist gentleman, who bids 
fair to be useful in the ministry, in Mansfield, passing through a corner of 
AVillington ; six miles. Were received with great kindness ; dined. Set 
out and reached an inn in Coventry, seven miles. Fed the horse, and 
travelled fifteen miles through Bolton into East Hartford, to the widow of 
Capt. Bidwcl, a pious Baptist lady, and a good liver. Were kindly en- 



1779. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 267 

tertaincd, tarried all night, and went on for Hartford. Three miles to 
meeting, it being Thursday, the 6th of May, the Continental Fast ; but a 
severe northwest wind prevented our crossing the ferry for several hours. 
Passed at length, and put up at Bull's Tavern, opposite the town house ; 
were unknown to them. In the afternoon went to Mr. Strong's i meeting, 
who insisted that I should preach, which I did to a very large and atten- 
tive audience. After service Mr. Strong took us to his house to lodge, 

and entertained us like a friend, and Capt. took our horse from the 

tavern and kept it well ; both insisting that we should call on them again 
on our way back, as did Dr. Smith. Till within ten or twelve miles of 
Hartford the way is in general mountainous and rocky, but the people 
live well by their industry, of which there are striking indications. The 
season at Hartford appears nearly or quite a fortnight earlier than at Prov- 
idence. Except Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, the weather very blus- 
tering and cold, but no frost. The winter grain looks exceeding promising, 
and a vast quantity of summer grain is put in ; abundance of land prepared 
for Indian corn ; the fruit not injured by frosts. Friday morning^ May 
7. Set out for Farmington ; reached Mr. Joseph Woodruff's, ten 
miles, and tarried to dinner ; kindly entertained ; then proceeded to a 
settlement of Seventh-day Baptists in the northwest part of Farmington, 
ten miles. Tarried at Mr. Covey's, where we were kindly treated, and 
preached Saturday, the 8tli inst., to their society, to great acceptance ; after 
passing the meadows four miles, the road rough, and an exceeding high 
mount of difficult ascent. The weather cold, and frost at night. The 
fruit here killed. After meeting proceeded through Farmington; oated 
at Mr. Baldwin's tavern, and reached Mr. Philips's tavern at Litchfield 
at sundown. The whole of this way exceeding mountainous and rough, 
but the land fertile and well improved ; fine fields of grain and good build- 
ings all the way. The people here live exceeding well. One tedious 
mountain two and one half miles from Litchfield ; the day warm ; the 
distance thirteen miles. This town is situated on a cold hill, the water 
bad, and the season near a fortnight backward of Hartford. Good lodg- 
ings and entertainment at the tavern ; the landlady very agreeable. 

iThe Rev. Dr. Nathan Strong, pastor of the First Congregational Church. 
He graduated at Yale College in 1769, with the highest honors of his class. He 
was a remarkable man in his day, and exerted among his own denomination, 
especially, a very important influence. He originated the " Connecticut Evan- 
gelical Magazine," and in the organization of the " Connecticut Missionary So- 
ciety " had a primary agency. He died in 1816, in the sixty-ninth year of his 
age. 



268 MANNIXG AND Chap. VI. 

Sunday, 9th. Was waited on by Mr. Champion,! the Congregationalist 
minister, whom I found to be a worthy, friendly man, and a good preacher. 
He invited me to preach, which I did in the afternoon, to a large audi- 
ence, with great freedom and to good acceptance. The people solemn 
and attentive. After meeting called on Lawyer Reeve, who lives here. 
Dined with Mr. Champion; lodged with Dr. Smith; an agreeable, gen- 
teel family. Monday, IQth. Set off at 8 o'clock, accompanied three and 
one half miles by Mr. Cliampion, whose company was very agreeable. 
He insisted if we ever came that way again we should make his house 
our home, as did Dr. Smith and Mr. Reeve. The road good this distance, 
but soon becomes exceeding rough, especially Mount Tom, a tremend- 
ous precipice near a mile long ; at six or seven miles after this better to 
Rawmagin Iron Works, in Washington, eleven miles from Litchfield ; 
Landlord Morgan's. After dinner set out to Bull's Iron Works, in Kent, 
ten miles, stopping to oat at Tirril's tavern, half way. Here we crossed 
successive chains of the most tremendous mountains I ever attempted to 
travel over, and which it was just possible to ascend. The whole distance 
over there is but a barren country, and the season very backward, until we 
come to the Works, where the soil and climate seem very different, as the 
season is much earlier. Refreshed at Landlord Beach's, a pretty good 
house ; set off and arrived at Col, Morehouse's, four miles, in the even- 
ing. Had good entertainment and bed. The last stage a fine country, 
well improved, good buildings, and a good road. Passed Mr. Waldo's 
meeting-house, one half mile. This part of the country greatly divided 
in politics ; the Tories have done great damage by robbing, etc., in this 
neighborhood. The York line one half mile this side of Bull's Iron 
Works. Through the mountains observed the grasshoppers as in sum- 
mer. The country here full of good wheat fields, and also their first great 
preparations for a summer crop. Tuesday, Maij 1 1 , Came to Mr. Waldo's, 
two miles ; out of the road one iialf mile. Being both unwell and greatly 
fatigued, and our liorse also, by yesterday's journey, concluded to tarry 
all day and night. This is in Dutchess County, Pawling's Precinct. 
Between this and Bull's Works passed a considerable river, along the 
banks of which fine and pleasant. Had good lodgings. Mr. Waldo has 
a good tract of land, two buitdrcd acres, patent limd, the lease for three 



1- Eev. Judali Champion, lie graduated at Yale College in 1751 ; was ordained 
pastor of the church in Litchlicld, July 4th, 17o3; died in 1810. lie preached the 
Connecticut Lleclion Sermon in 17GG, which \Yas published. 



1779. BR0V7N UNIVERSITY. 269 

lives. At night pvcachccl at his house, from 2(1 Cor. iv. 17. The state 
of religion remarlvably cold, and tlic congregation much divided in politics. 
Wednesdai/, I2th. Set out, after being very hospitably entertained, and 
crossed a tedious and long mountain, two miles, before we fully got up ; 
the descent easy and the road fine to the westward ; the country full of 
good wheat fields. To Capt. Storm's, thirteen miles. Here a genteel tav- 
ern and good entertainment. The militia assembled to send every twelfth 
man to the frontiers against the Indians. Travelled five miles to Capt. 
GriflSn's ; fed my horse, and then five miles to Fishkill, and fed again. 
This but a small village, the buildings poor, and much injured by the 
troops. The whole of the road from Capt. Storm's remarkably fine, and 
the country good and well cultivated, especially with wheat. From hence 
to the Continental Ferry the road and country not equally good as before. 
No horse-keeping at the Ferry. No wind, and the tide unfavorable. Two 
hands rowed over, and were rowing until quite dark ; rained steadily : this 
had been tlireatencd all day by small sprinklings. Had a pleasant day 
for travelling ; but now we are landed, in a dark rainy night, on a strange 
shore, and no tavern that had horse-keeping. With much difficulty found 
Col. Hansbrook's, but the kitchen people were in bed ; were taken in, 
had good entertainment, horse-keeping, and a good bed. Thursday, I3th. 
Rose, but a storm from the northeast and a heavy rain determined us to 
tarry all day. The family very agreeable — high Whigs, and wealthy. 
Friday, lAth. Cleared away in the morning ; set out at eight o'clock, and 
^jassed through New Windsor, a small village, under a disagreeable hill. 
The road bad here, as it is seven miles, to JMi*. Cross's. Stopped and 
rested, but he not at home. From thence to Mr. Owen's, who married 
Lizzy Burden, six miles. There dined. From thence travelled seven 
miles, and at the tavern gave six shillings lawful money for two quarts of 
oats. From thence reached Mr. Gano's,' five miles, a little before night. 
He lives in a small log house, on a good farm, belonging to a refugee Tory, 
but much out of repair. Large quantities of wheat and rye on the ground 
along this road, which look tolerably well, but all the fruit killed by the 
frost in April. The cherry trees are again coming out in blossoms, 

1 Rev. John Gano, his brother-in-law, pastor of the First Baptist Church in 
New York, but now engaged as chaplain in the army. His family resided here 
probably until the close of the war. In the summer of 1776 the British took 
possession of New York and its environs, which they evacuated Nov. 25, 1783. 
During this time most of the loyal or Whig families were of course away from 
the city . 

23* 



270 MANNING AND Chap. VI. 

though not full. Think there will be no fruit for twenty miles east of the 
river. Tarried Saturday, 15th. 

Sunday, 16th. Preached twice for Mr. Randall's people. A handsome 
congregation out, and very attentive. Monday, 11 th. Visited Esquire Burt, 
a good liver, and genteel people. Tuesday, I8th. Assisted the boys in 
planting and dunging their fann ; the afternoon and evening was sick ; 
took a sweat, and was better. Wednesday, 19th. Nothing but a north- 
east storm prevents our setting out for the Jerseys. Mr. Gano had gone 
to the army before avc arrived here, which is marching to the northward. 
This is a very hilly country, and much good meadow land. "Warwick 
lies within about five miles of the Jersey line. The mountains to the 
southeast are infested with Tory robbers, who greatly tenify the inhab- 
itants ; thirty of them, or thereabouts, and their havborers, have been lately 
apprehended, and many more have fled, it is supposed to New York. A 
species of grasshoppers were discovered in the wheatfields, by men of un- 
doubted veracity. From Wednesday to Saturday rain continued from the 
northeast. Tarried till Sunday, 23d. 

Preached again at Warwick ; the audience crowded, and much affected. 
Had great liberty in preacliing. After meeting set out and dined at Col. 
Hathhorn's, one mile on. Proceeded fifteen miles over the mountains to 
Col. Soward's and lodged. Metkhid people, and good livers. The house 
here fortified against robbers, and all sleep armed. I rested scarce any 
all niglit, through the importunity of a troublesome insect. Monday, 
2-ith. Set off before sunrise, and reached Davenport's at Newfoundland 
to breakfast, ten miles ; was kindly treated. They refused anything for 
our eating, as they did at Col. Soward's. From thence, ten miles, we 
reached Esq. Tuttlc's. Fed our horses, refreshed ourselves, and set out 
for JNIorristown, twelve miles, where we arrived, between four and five 
o'clock, at Arnold's tavern. This is an extremely hot day, and the travel- 
ling excessively tedious, as well on that as on account of the rocky 
mountainous country, which extends from Warwick within about three 
miles of Morristown. The greatest j)art of this country unsettled, and 
consequently in general, till within about ten miles of Morristown, all this 
part of the country full of grain. Set out about sundown, and reached 
Mr. Stites',1 about 11 o'clock, very much fatigued. Found the old people 
somewhat indisposed, but all very glad to fee us. From 25th to 27th, 

' John Stites, E^q., lather of Mr.-^. Munuiug. 



1779. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 271 

tarried at the farm ; then went to Elizabethtown^ and tarried till the 28th, 
at Brother Woodruff's. The town and suburbs less damaged by the enemy 
than I expected.2 

Sunday, 30th. Preached at the Plains,3 but the meeting much inter- 
rupted by the march of the Pennsylvania line, under General St. Clair, 
towards the North River.'* Went to Sister Tingley's, and tarried till Tues- 
day. Tuesday, June ist. A fine rain on Monday ; went to Brother Joseph 
Manning's,^ and tarried all night. Wednesday, accompanied by him and 
wife, visited Uncle Joseph Randolph, and reached Jeremiah Manning's 
at Bordentown. Tarried till Friday, June 4. There heard the cheering 
account of the Charleston victory ,6 and the moving of the whole army to 
North River. Afternoon crossed Crown Feny, and lodged at Capt. 
Morgan's, Chester Quakers ; ten miles. Saturday, bth. Set out early, and 
reached Mr. Buckalaw's, two miles, to breakfast. Met with Messrs. 
Stelle '' and Coles,''' and proceeded to Bray's meeting-house. Mr. Stelle 
preached. Lodged at the Avidow Holmes's ; an agreeable family. 

Sunday, 6th. Mr. Stelle and myself preached. Had a large audience. 
Monday, 7th. Messrs. Coles and D. Jones ^ preached, and also had a large 



1 Dr. Manning's native town, the capital of New Jersey at this time, and the 
principal place in the State; noted for its good schools, and the general culture 
and intelligence of its inhabitants. 

2 On the 28th of February, 1779, a party of British troops, sent by Clinton from 
New York, landed at Elizabethtown Point, for the express purpose of taking 
" the rebel governor," as they called him, Livingston, whose residence was here 
at Elizabethtown. Not Gnding him at home, they seized his papers, burned a 
few dwellings, and departed for New York. 

3 The Scotch Plains Baptist Church, of which Manning had been a member. 

4 A large portion of Washington's army had been encamped, or hutted, as 
Hildretb terms it, at Middlebrook and vicinity, near Elizabethtown, during the 

■previous Avinter and spring. The encampment broke up at this time ; hence the 
disturbance of public Avorship caused by the marching of the troops nortliAvard, 
of which the Pennsylvania line under St. Clair formed a part. 

5 Joseph Manning Avas a ruling elder of the Scotch Plains Church, having 
been elected to this office ou the 10th December, 1777. 

6 Referring to the invasion of Charleston by the British under Prevost, in 
May previous, and their repulse by the Continental troops and militia under 
Moultrie and Eutlege. 

7 Rev. Isaac Stelle, pastor of the Piscataway Baptist Church, and Rev. Benja- 
min Coles, pastor of the church at Hopewell. 

« The Rev. David Jones, formerly of New Jersey, but now a distinguished 
chaplain in the army under Gen. St. Clair. 



272 



MANNING AND Chap. VI. 



audieacc. Lodged this night at the widow Molly Holmes's ; a fine family. 
This is a most excellent part of the country for land and excellent crops ; 
but tl^o shores are greatly infested, and the inhabitants robbed, by To- 
ries, who have fled to the enemy. Tuesday, June 8. In company with 
Messrs. Stelle and Jones came to Mr. Dennis's at Spotswood, to dinner, 
thirteen miles ; agreeable people. Nine miles to Brunswick, where at Capt. 
Dennis's we tarried Tuesday night. Wednesday, 9th. Crossed the river 
at the landing, and came to Uncle Ephraim's and tarried. Brunswick 
much injured by the British. Thurdsay, 10th. Visited Mr. Stelle, Aunt 
Manning, and tarried at Uncle Joseph Randolph's. Friday, llth. Ee- 
turncd to the Farms; found parents ill. Saturday, \2ih. Preached at llie 
Plains, and returned. 

Sunday, I3th. Preached again, gave out the communion seiwice, and 
tarried at Rev. Mr. Miller's. A fine rain this day, though the meetings 
not interrupted. 14th. Returned to the Farms. A great rain, followed by 
a succession of thunder-showers, to-day. Sister Tingley and Joseph 
Manning's wife came and tarried the night. Went to town, and brought 
Sister Woodruff, upon the 15th. The season remarkably good, and the 
grain extraordinary, as well as grass, through the country. Wednesday^ 
June 16. Fine weather. Rain in the afternoon. 17th, 18th, and 19th, 
tarried at Papa Stitcs's. 

Preached at Lyon's Farms, the 20th, two sermons. The people in tiie 
morning service very attentive and affected, and the meeting tolerably 
full. Returaed, and on Monday, the 21st, set out for Philadelphia. Visited 
Messrs. Miller and Joseph Manning, and dined. Preached, at 6 o'clock, 
witli great freedom, at Capt. Samuel Randolph's, and tan-ied all night. Set 
out the 22d and visited Capt. William Manning, Jacob Martin Esq., Ma- 
jor Edgar, and Benjamin Manning Esq., who, with his lady, accompanied 
us to Brother Jeremiah Manning's, where we tarried. 23d. Accompanied 
with brother and wife, kinsman and his, went to Mr. Stellc's ; thence to 
Brunswick. Heard Mr. Miller preach from the words of Hannah. Dined 
at Mr. Wall's. Called at Mr. Dennis's, and set out at four o'clock for 
Hopewell ; reached Mr. Barton's at nine o'clock in the evening. The day 
hot. Next day, 24th, visited Dr. Vankirk's, to see aunt, and preached at 
the meeting-house at six o'clock. But few out. Next morning, Friday, 
25th, visited Messrs. Coles and Black\vcll, and reached John Hart's,^ Esq., 



1 Perhaps a son of tlic Rev. Oliver Hart. If so, lie graduated uudcr Man- 
uing, iu tlio year 177G. The " di8cii)liiie of the rod " seems to Imve been at- 



1779. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 273 

at Newtown, two o'clock P. M. ; were detained the night by a seasonable 
heavy rain, and treated most hospitably. The weather most intensely hot. 
English grain the best and in the greatest quantity from Brunswick here 
that I ever saw ; but the Indian corn backward and poor in general, 
owing to the cold and wet of the former part of the season. 26th. Set out 
to Neshaminy Ford, but impassable by the great fall of rain. Went four 
miles up the creek to the bridge, which, being taken up, we were detained 
till four o'clock P. M. at Mr, Cozens's, when the water subsided, and we 
passed. The road from Newtown here very bad, but the creek to South- 
ampton good, where we reached, before sunset, Mr. Van Horn's. i Found 
the family well. 

Stayed the 27th, and preached at the meeting-house. But few people 
out. Mr. Coles was expected. After meeting returned, and tarried till 
Monday. On June 4th a report prevailed in Woodbridge that the British 
army at Charleston were totally defeated, with the loss of fourteen hun- 
dred killed and wounded, and seven hundred taken. Repeated reports 
somewhat similiai-, though not making their loss so great, have been con- 
stantly brouglit from the South ; but no official account confirming it has 
yet come to hand.^ All the fruit nearly cut off by the great frost in these 
parts. The crops incomparably fine, but some fields near the river struck 
with the red rust, though but little hurt. Rye harvest begun, and wheat 
will be here this" week. 



tended with good effects, if we may judge from the little information respecting 
Lim here given. 

1 Rev. William Van Horn. He was born in 1746; educated at Dr. Samuels 
Jones's Academy at Pennepek; ordained as pastor over the Baptist church at 
Southampton, Ta. ; honored with the degree of Master of Arts from the Rhode 
Island College 1774; and during the Revolutionary war was an efficient and 
honored chaplain. He died in 1807 in the sixty-tirst year of his age, 

2 Reports then must have quite equalled if not excelled the telegraphic news 
of the present day. The simple facts as recorded in history are as follows : The 
British in 1779 made a second invasion of South Carolina under General Prevost, 
and were eventually repulsed. On the 11th of May, Prevost with nine hundred 
regulars crossed the Ashley, leaving his main army on the south side of the 
river. During the forenoon Count Pulaski with his legion attacked the British 
advanced guard, and was repulsed with great slaughter. Prevost now advanced 
to the American lines, but in the night, after summoning the city to surrender, 
withdrew to James Island, fearing the approach of Gen. Lincoln with an army 
of four thousand men. On the 20th of June the British were attacked by about 
twelve hundred of Lincoln's men, and the assailants were repulsed. Loss about 



274 MANNING AND Chap. YI. 

Monday, June 28. Set out and travelled to Pcnncpek, Mr. Jones's. i 
An'ived in the evening, and found the family well and glad to see us. 
Tarried here until July 2d. Spent the time agreeably in viewing the 
farm, its products, harvest, etc., and in conversation. The season here 
extremely hot ; height of wheat harvest ; the grain struck with the red 
rust, though little injured, except the rye, which is mucli blasted. The 
greatest part of the harvest between here and Philadelphia, where we ar- 
rived at eleven o'clock A. M., Juh'^ 2. Put up at Mr. William Goforth's, 
and my horse across the way, in Second Street, between Race and Vine 
Streets. Visited Samuel Davis, but he was out of town ; also Mr. Rogers. 
Called at Mr. "Watkins's, then at INIr. Westcot's ; from thence to Dr. 
Rush's,2 who treated me politely ; from thence called on Messrs. Shields 

three hundred killed, wounded, and missiug on each side. Three days after- 
wards the British evacuated the island. (See Lossing's Field-Book, etc.) 

1 Eev. Dr. Samuel Jones, one of Manning's intimate friends. lie was three 
years his senior, having been born in the year 1735. Of the church of Penuepek, 
afterwards called Lower Dublin, he was the honored and esteemed pastor up- 
wards of fifty-one years. He was also an educator of youth, and in this latter 
capacity was greatly distinguished, being especially judicious and considerate to 
such young men under his care as had the ministry iu view. On the death of 
Manning, in 1791, he was named by many of the Trustees and Fellows of the col- 
lege as his successor in the i)residency. (See letters of Stillman and Howell at 
the close of our last chapter.) He, it will be remembered, was one of the com- 
mittee to remodel the college charter. 

Dr. Jones was one of the most useful members of the Philadelphia Association. 
" Here,-' says Sprague in his Annals, " he is appointed to frame a system of dis- 
cipline, and there to compile a book of hymns, and then to draw up a map rep- 
resenting the various as.sociations; one year he holds the office of moderator, 
and the next writes the circular letter to the churches, and the next performs 
some other important public service; —indeed, it is impossible to look through 
the minutes without perceiving that he was always one of tlie master spirits of 
the body. Few men could manage more adroitly than he a difficult and in- 
volved case; and sometimes, by a single suggestion, in a deliberative body, he 
would bring light out of the thickest darkness, and order out of the wildest con- 
fusion." In 1807 he preached the century sermon of the Association, which was 
published. He died Feb. 7, 1814, in the eightieth year of his age. 

Dr. Jones was a ready writer and a fluent speaker, in his person he is de- 
Bcribed as a large and firmly built man, six feet or more in height, and every 
way well proportioned. His face was the very image of intelligence and good- 
nature; whicli, with the air of dignity that pervaded all his movements, ren- 
dered his appearance uncommonly attractive. He possessed an ample fortune, 
which he used with signal grace and ho.'^pitality. 

3 Benjamin Rush, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence; dis- 



1779. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 275 

and Moulders. Called nt Mr. Hart's lodging, but lie not within, which 
was also the case at Mr. Robert S. Jones's. The evening of July 2, Mr. 
Joseph Hart, of the Executive Council, spent at my lodgings. Saturday, 
July 3. This morning came out a paper, in which Congress was han- 
dled pretty severely, under the signature of Leonidas.* Breakfasted at 
Dr. Rush's, and received two hundred dollars, Dr. Finley's draft on him. 
Spent the forenoon chiefly in writing to Providence, by Mr. Ellery, who 

sets off this afternoon. Went to the State House. Met Mr. Collins, and 
/ 

tinguished for his learning and piety, as well as for his great professional skill. 
He was educated at the College of New Jersey, graduating in 1760, two years 
before Manning. 

i The financial embarrassments of the country were exceedingly great at this 
period, in consequence of the rapid depreciation of the paper currency, of which 
Congress had emitted, on the 1st of September, 1799, one hundred and sixty mil- 
lions. A spirit of discontent, of speculation and of fraud was everywhere mani- 
fest. "The honest and patriotic were impoverished, while rogues and Tories 
grew rich." As an illustration of the perils and difficulties of this crisis, we 
print the following handbill, which was posted up in the streets of Philadelphia 
about this time. Similar bills were posted in other cities. 

" FOR OUR COUNTRY'S GOOD. 

" The depreciation of our money, and the high price to which everything is got, 
is' one and the same thing. We ask not who introduced the evil, how it arose, 
or who encouraged it. In the midst of money we are in poverty, and exposed 
to want in the land of plenty. You that have money, and you that have none, 
down with your prices, or down with yourselves; for, by the ever-living and 
eternal God, we will bring every article down to what it was last Christmas, or 
we will down with those who oppose it. 

" We have turned out against the enemy, and we wish not to be eaten up by 
monopolizers and forestallers. 

MOVE ON COOLLY." 

" It gives me very sincere pleasure," writes Washington to his friend Eeed, 
now President of Pennsylvania, " that the Assembly is so well disposed to sec- 
ond your endeavors in bringing those murderers of our cause, the monopolizers, 
forestallers, and engrossers, to condign punishment. It is much to be lamented 
that each State, long ere this, has not hunted them down as pests of society, and 
the greatest enemies we have to the happiness of America. I would to God that 
some one of the more atrocious in each State was hung in gibbets upon a gallows 
five times as high as the one prepared for Haman. No punishment, in my 
opinion, is too severe for the man who can build his greatness upon his country's 
ruin." Wlicn Washington wrote in this way, what, says Ilildrcth, was to bo 
expected of the inconsiderate multitude? 



27G MANNING AND Chap. VI. 

inquired, without much satisfaction, what was on foot in Congress rela- 
tive to the money. Dined at Mr. Redwood's with Mr. Ellery, and re- 
turned to my lodgings, where were Messrs. Shields and Conolly, who 
spent the afternoon Avith us. 

Lord's Day, Juli/ 4. Preached twice with some freedom; the morn- 
ing congregation thin ; more in the afternoon. Both churcli and society 
here in a broken state. The people urgent for my tarrying a considerable 
time, which did not suit my affairs. In the evening visited one of the 
members of the church near her end. Appeared to be in a happy frame 
of mind. Attended a religious society composed of Baptists, Prcsbyteri- 
ans, and Church people. They appeared very serious, and somewhat en- 
gaged in religion. Found Gen. Spencer ^ at my lodgings, now a member 
of Congress. It being the Fourth of July, the anniversary of Independence, 
the chaplains of Congress preached suitable to the occasion, and Congress 
attended. High mass was celebrated and Te Deum sung at the Romish 
chapel. The gentlemen of the town were invited by billets from the 
French minister to attend. I suppose these causes rendered the Baptist 
meeting thinner than otherwise. Tlie lowering of prices by the committee 
is considered by the town as a violent measure and only a temporary re- 
lief, but think it will share the fate of former State bills.*'^ The suburbs of 
this city greatly destroyed by the English, but the body of it not mudi 
damaged. A fine rain on the night of the 4tli of July. Some more apples 
in these parts than in the Jerseys, though but few. Ullondai/, 5th. Break- 



1 Joseph Spencer. lie was born in Connecticut, in 1714. He was a major in 
the colonial army in 175G, and was one of the lirst eight brigadiers appointed by 
the Continental Congress in 1775. He was appointed a major-general in 177G, 
and in 1777 was in command of the American forces on Rhode Island. After his 
resignation he was elected a delegate to Congress from his native State. He died 
in East Iladdam, in January, 1789, aged seventy-five. 

2 A short time alter this (Oct. 4), a riot took place in Philadelphia in consequence 
of this attemi)t of :i committee to regulate the prices of flour, rum, sugar, molasses, 
coffee, salt, etc. Robert Morris and otlicr leading merchants refused to conform 
to the regulation. Wilson, Clymer, JMifllin, and their friends were threatened 
with banishment to New York, as abettors and defenders of the Tories. Soon 
afterwards (Oct. 20), a convention of the five Eastern States was held at Hartford, 
v.t which a plan was elaborated, which Congress adopted, regulating prices on the 
basis of twenty paper dollars for one of specie. Dr. Manning's visit to riiiladel- 
phia doubtless had reference to some measures of relief of this kind from the op- 
pressive laws of Rhode Island and other States, passed by recommendation of 
Congress, which made pai)er money a legal tender. 



1779. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 277 

fasted at Mr. Shiclds's, where a committee from the church met and impor- 
tuned rae to tarry with them some time, or come again and make them a 
longer visit. I gave them hopes of the latter after the four Sabbaths of 
this month. Went to Mr. David Bowers', and thence to Mr. Moulders' ; 
then to hear the oration at the Dutch church. The performance indifferent. 
Congress and the French Ambassador j)resent, and a large assembly. 
Here met Mr, Merchant, and called at his lodgings. Ecceived an invita- 
tion to dine at Prof Lawrens's, but we dined at Mr. Wcstcot's. Returned 
to our lodgings. Were visited by Messrs. Shields, Britain, and Gen. 
Spencer. Set out in the afternoon for Mr. Jones's, where we arrived in 
the evening. The weather intensely hot. Tuesday, 6t/i. Tarried at Mr. 
Jones's, and set out on the 7th for Bordentown. Dined at Bristol, and 
reached Mr. Alison's before night. Passed the ruins of Mr. Kirbright's 
buildings ; the river three fourths of a mile wide ; the ruins of the vessels 
burned by the English on the east shore, as also the stores, and the dwell- 
ing-house of Mr. Joseph Borden, treasurer.! There met Mr. Stites, from 
Cranberry, which detained us until Saturday, July 10. Were hospitably 
treated by the family. Col. Hogland, Dr. Moore, Mr. Borden, and Mr. 
Kirbright. Preached on Friday evening, and set out in the morning 
for Cranberry, in company with Col. Hogland and Mr. Stites. Reached 
Cranberry to dine. Found the Doctor well, and glad to see us. 

Preached for Mr. Smith Sunday the 11th. The day rainy and few 
people out. At night had a severe diarrhoea, which continued the 12th, 
so that I kept house in much pain. 13th. The diarrhoea abated ; the 
weather fine and cool, as there fell a vast quantity of rain on Lord's Day 
and evening, accompanied by abundance of thunder and lightning. This 
morning Mr. Stelle called on us on his way to Philadelphia, and informed 
us that accounts are received of the burning of New Haven by the British, 
and that they are destroying all in their way in that quarter.^ Preached 
to-day at the Baptist meeting. Tarried the 14th and 15th. Still much 

1 On the 7th of May, 1778, six or seven hundred British troops left Thiladelpliia 
for the purpose of destroying vessels which were lying in Barnes's and Cross- 
wick's Creeks at Bordentown. They burned two frigates, destroyed several 
smaller vessels, burned several residences and buildings on their return, and 
seized considerable property. ^ 

2Keferring to the invasion of Connecticut by the British, under Governor 
Tyron of New York, and Brigadier-General Garth, in the early part of July, 
1779, during which they plundered New Haven, and burned Fairfield and Nor- 
walk. 

24 



278 MANNING AND Chap. VI. 

indisposed. ICtli. Set out for Piscataway, called at Brunswick, and reached 
Bonham Town. Mrs. Manning very ill since the 12th ; scarce able to 
ride. My brother in great fear of the enemy. Was inteiTupted till mid- 
night by the seizure of a trunk of goods. 17th. Went to Mr. Benjamin 
Manning's. Left my spouse, and preached at the Sabbatarian meeting ; 
returning to our lodgings at Benjamin Manning's, Esq. 

Sunday, Julij 18. Preached for Mr. Stclle twice, dined at lodgings, and 
came on to Brother Joseph's. 19th. Returned to the Farms. To-day 
heard that the British fleet at Stony Point was taken by General Wayne, 
with five hundred prisoners.^ Found our parents as well as usual, and 
tarried there, Mrs. Manning being very unwell, 20th, 21st, and 22d. Set 
out Saturday, July 23, for Hopewell. Left my mare with Swan's horse. 
Called on Mr. Miller, who was in ill health. Stopped at Capt. Ran- 
dolph's, dined at Benjamin Manning's ; called at Mr. Stelle's, but he was 
not at home ; met him at Mr. Hall's in Brunswicrk. Reached Mr. Prince's, 
at Rocky Hill. The day very hot and dusty, and my horse travelled 
hard and greatly fatigued. Distance thirty-two miles. Saturday/, 24^A. 
Was unable to find my horse until late in the morning. Reached Mr. 
Barton's at Hopewell, ten miles, much fatigued. The meeting opened by 
a sermon from Mr. Pitman, to good acceptance. Peter Smith also at- 
tended. 

Lord's Day, 25th. Preached twice, and gave out the communion to a 
part of the church, as they are unhappily divided about their minister, 
Mr. Coles. The day exceedingly rainy, but the house full. Monday, 
2(ith. Mr. Joshua Jones came and preached in the morning ; a good sermon. 
I closed the meeting in the afternoon. Tuesday, 27(h. In company with 
Mr. Smith reached Samuel Jones's, thirty miles ; caught in a thunder- 
shower and got very wet; dined at John Hart's, Esq., at New Town. Tar- 
ried Wednesday, 28th, and set out, after a rainy morning, Thursday, 29th, 
for Philadelphia, twelve miles. Put up my horse at Mr. Sliields's ; called 
on some friends, and took quarters at Mr. Samuel Davis's. Friday, July 
30. Visited some friends in town. Saturday, 3lst. Saw the British pris- 

1 This, says Lossing, in his Field-Book of the Eevolutiou, was regarded as Ihe 
most brilliant acliicvemcnt of the war, and raised the hero Wayne to the high- 
est point in the admiration of his countrymen. The fortress, which was re- 
garded as imprcgiiablc, was taken on the night of July IG. Conversing with 
Washington on the expedition and the obstacles to be overcome, Wayne is said 
to have remarked with emphasis, " General, I'll storm hell, if you will only plan 
it." 



1779. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 279 

oners taken at Stony Point march in ; fine-looking men. Dined at Mr. 
Goforth's. 

Sunday, Axig. 1 . Preached twice. The congregation pretty large, — more 
so than usual here, — and very attentive. Spent the evening at a religious 
conference, where there seemed a degree of quickening and freedom. Aug. 
2. A storm of rain from the northeast, which continued the next day ; 
heat intense. I tarried mostly at my lodgings. Aug. 4. Wrote letters 
to Providence, to the church and Nicholas Brown. Aug. 5. The ac- 
count of the defeat of the British by the French fleet in the West Indies 
arrived. Spent the evening at Major Goforth's, in company with several 
gentlemen. Here I met Major Somner, ten days from Providence, who 
tells rac that things are agreeable in that quarter, which I was also in- 
formed of by a letter from General Varnum, received yesterday. G Brig- 
ade is come to headquarters, which I heard by a line from Van Horn, 
at the same time. Friday, 6th. Delivered my letters to Mr. Somner. This 
day Mr. Edwards called upon me, and tarried in town several days. Saw 
General Spencer and Mr. Collins. Abundance of rumors concerning the 
West India affair. Visited in town in the forenoon. Saturday, 1th. 
Went with Mr. Edwards to Capt. Palkner's, five miles, and spent the 
afternoon agreeably. 

Sunday, Aug. 8. Preached three times. The assembly full, and the 
people so importunate for another Sabbath that I concluded to stay. 9th. 
Messrs. Jones, Blackwell, and Nathaniel Stout came to town ; the former 
tarried with me one night. Tuesday, 10th. Mr. Edwards, in company 
with Jones and myself, set out for Col. Miles's. Distance thirteen 
miles. Arrived in the evening, and he and lady next morning, from town. 
He has a most elegant seat, gardens, meadows, etc., and a most remark- 
able spring, which turns three wheels in one fourth of a mile from its 
source. Spent three days very agreeably, and on the 13tli set out for 
town, Mr. Edwards returning with Mr. Jones. The weather extremely 
hot, and abundance of rain. The Indian corn incomparably fine, the buck- 
wheat forward, and the second crop of grass cutting. This is an agree- 
able part of the country. Preached this evening, Saturday, 14t}i. Visited 
Major Goforth's ; paid my barber ; received one hundred dollars of Mr. 
Eogcrs, as per order; called at Mr. Morris's, and dined at Mr. Ball's. 

Sunday, Aug. 15. Extremely hot. Preached twice, attended the 
funeral of a child, and drank chocolate at Mr. Turner's. Eichard 
Lemon and both the McKims, from Baltimore, at meeting. Monday, 1 6th. 
Visited Mr. Moulders', and attended the meeting of the church and society. 



280 MANNING AND Chap. YI. 

who unanimously agreed to get the pulpit supplied. Chose a committee 
of eight, half from the church and half from the society, to raise the neces- 
sary supplies for that purpose, and to call Mr. Gano for one year. At 
two o'clock set out for Mr. Jones's. Preached at Pennepck at five o'clock. 
Tarried with Mr. Jones and j\Ii\ Edwards. The weather intensely hot ; 
though the season uncommonly wet. 2\iesday, Aug. 17. Set out for 
Bordentown, where I dined. Reached Cranberry, Dr. Stites's, at night, 
18th. Reached Brunswick, and dined at Robert Huder's, where I met 
with Mrs. Gano and John. Reached Mr. Stites's in the evening, and 
found all well. The Indian corn incomparably fine through the whole 
country. Thursday, 19th. Went to Elizabethtown, and returned in the 
evening. Dined at Dr. Dayton's. Spent the 20th and 21st at the Farms. 
The weather rainy. 

Sunday, 22d. Preached at the Plains with Mr. Stelle, who preached at 
six o'clock at Morristown. Tarried at Brother Joseph's. A teirible 
rain at night. My brother very sick with the bilious fever. Jeremiah 
and son and daughter tarried there also. Monday^ 23d. Visited Uncle 
Joseph Randolph ; in a deep consumption, to all appearance, but comfort- 
able in mind. From thence, through Samptown, I visited Sister Tingley, 
who has broken her right arm by a fall, and dislocated her wrist. Dined 
and went to Dead River to Brother Jno. Manning's and tarried the night. 
His eldest daughter sick. His farm is much improved since I saw it, and 
he lives comfortably. Visited Uncle William Stites, Mr. Tingley, Cousin 
Jno. Manning, Mr. Miller, Mr. Brooks, and returned to the Farms on 
Tuesday evening, 24th. Wednesday went to Elizabcthtown, visited friends, 
and tarried two days, returning to the Farms Thursday evening. Ad- 
miral Arbuthnot's fleet said to have arrived at New York, but the partic- 
ulars not come to hand. Friday, 27th. Tarried at home. The season 
very sickly, but not mortal yet. Yesterday the weather cleared up cool 
and fine. Continued at home Saturday. 

Lord's Day, Aug. 29. Peached at Lyon's Farms. The audience serious 
and attentive. Tarried at home till Thursday, the 2d of September, and 
then, accompanied by parents, visited Stites, Woodruff*, dined, and then 
proceeded to Bonham Town, calling on two of the sisters on tlio way, and 
observing the desolations at Woodbridge. Sept. 3. Rainy, but in the 
afternoon went to Joseph Manning's ; a heavy rain on the way ; found 
him and two children sick. Sept. 4. Went to Joseph Tingley's ; found 
my sister better ; preached at the meeting-house. Lord's Day. Saw many 
old friends and acquaintances, and all my brothers but Joseph. After 



1779. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 281 

bidding the last farewell, returned to the Farms in the evening, calling on 
Mr. Miller on the way, who is much recovered. Tarried at home Mon- 
day, 6th, and were visited by Sister WoodrufF. The season remarkably 
sickly throughout the country, but tlie mortality not very great. The 
complaints are intermitting fevers and agues. Tuesday, 1th. Tarried at 
home and rested ; in the afternoon preached. Mr. Miller came, and we 
had something of a comfortable season. 

Wednesday, Sept. 8. Set out for Providence. Were accompanied by 
parents four miles. Left Sister Woodruff at papa's ; called and rested at 
Dr. Smith's at Chatham, seven miles. Dined at Col. Dunham's in 
Morristown, seven miles. AYerc kindly treated. The family sick, and 
himself indisposed. Set out at four o'clock and reached Rockaway, nine 
miles. Tarried at Jackson's, at the Forge. A thunder-shower in the 
night, and bedbugs, prevented sleep ; otherwise good entertainment. 
Paid six dollars. The road much better this way than over the moun- 
tains. Set out on the morning of the 9th, to Esquire Moses Tuttle's, 
five miles. The road bad. Breakfasted and reached Davenport's to 
dinner ; the road extremely bad ; distance ten miles. Afternoon visited 
Col. Soward's, ten miles. The road bad ; tarried the night, and were 
kindly entertained. 10th. Travelled to Col. Hath Horn's, fourteen miles, 
and dined ; afternoon reached Mr. Gano's, three and one half miles. The 
road better over the mountains, though the mountains exceedingly bad. 
Saturday, llth. Tarried at Mr. Gano's. 

Lord's Day, preached at Warwick twice. The assembly full and very 
solemn. After meeting dined at Mr. Beard's, who had prepared an ele- 
gant dinner, and were treated very hospitably. Tarried at Mr. Gano's 
Monday. Took a very great cold. Mrs. Manning but indifferently well, 
and Sally and Dicky sick. Tuesday, Sept. 14. Set out, dined at Mr. 
Owen's, and reached Mr. Fought's in the evening. Met Lieut, Ilubbel 
on the road, who came out from Newburgh for this purpose. Met also 
Capt. Wily from Providence, who informs me they are well in general. 
We were received and treated very kindly at Mr. Fought's, where wo 
lodged ; and Wednesday, 1 5th, I visited Isaac Belnap, and-was visited by 
Mr. Edmonds. Preached in the aftenioon at the Continental store. 
The people attentive and affected, and very desirous of another sermon. 
Visited Dea. Lawrence at the Landing, and returned in the evening to 
our lodgings. Ever since Sunday the wind fresh at the northeast, cloudy 
and very cold ; at its first rising a boat was upset in this ferry Sunday 
morning, and two young ladies we>e drowned. 
24* 



282 M A N N I X G A N D Cuap. YI. 

TJmrsdai/, Sept. 16. Went down to West Point by water in Lieut. 
Hubbel's boat. The Trench Ambassador's secretaries in company. One of 
them spoke English ; a most accomplished gentleman, and the handsomest 
Frenchman I ever saw. The other was agreeable, as were their attend- 
ant gentleman, but could not converse much in English. We had an 
agreeable passage, and were greatly entertained by the highlands through 
which we passed. Those huge, vast mountains, with their cloudy tops, 
approach near together as the river narrows. At about eleven o'clock wc 
reached Gen. Washington's quarters, — a beautiful, level spot one mile 
north of the Point, surrounded by those precipices. His Excellency, the 
Ambassador, with a number of the generals, were gone to reconnoitre the 
fort. There I met Dr. Cochrane, Surgeon General of the army, who 
seemed very glad to find me in camp. After examining a correct map 
of this fort, shown us by one of the General's aids, and taking a drink, wc 
sailed over to the Point, which is fitted by nature to form an exceeding 
strong port. Up to the top of the Point is a great ascent, and tliere a 
plain on which stands Fort Arnold, at the last part of the Point. A very 
strong fortress, with excellent bomb-proofs, and bastions below to defend 
the great chain stretched across just after the river turns west. Tiic op- 
posite shore is also strongly fortified to defend the chain, from what is 
called the island, and all the heights also on the east side of the river, to 
prevent their landing and bombarding the fort. These works, viewed 
from the Point, look most beautiful. These were shown us by Gen. Mc- 
Dugal, who commands this fortress. Fort Putnam stands on a great em- 
inence at half a mile distance west from this, and commands Fort ^iVi-nold. 
This is the strongest work ever raised in English America, and is utterly, 
from its situation, inaccessible but on the northern side, where all the 
force of art is exerted to strengthen it by walls without walls, the outer- 
most of which is laid with lime and stone, witli bomb-proofs, etc., etc. 
This is also defended l)y all the commanding hciglits. The approach of an 
ai-my by land is next to impossible from the west side of the river, as there 
are but few ways, and those almost impassable, and all strongly defended. 
The troops were encamped on both sides of the river on the most conve- 
nient grounds. I dined at Gen. Greene's quarters with liis family, ]\Ir. 
Olncy, Col. Morris, Major Littlefield, and Col. Webb, as the General had 
not returned. Soon after, he, with Gen. Knox, returned, with whom had 
a little chat. Sliortly afterward, his Excellcncy,the French Ambassador, 
and Baron Steuben, Avith their retinues, returned, to all of whom I was in- 
troduced by Gen. Greene. Tiic Ambassador is a good-looking, ruddy- 



1779. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 283 

complexioned man as I ever saw for a Frenchman. His family are 
extremely polite.^ 

Having viewed the works, we returned up the river, had a good time, and 
arrived at New Windsor after sunset, and at Newborough in the evening. 
Friday^ Sept. 17. The morning was foggy, which prevented our set- 
ting out early. Crossed the river with an easy time, and set out from tlie 
Continental Ferry between ten and eleven o'clock. Passing Fishkill, took 
the Danbury road, stopped at a private house to oat, and then reached 
Col. Luddington's, twenty-two miles ; then reached Esquire Patterson's, 
four miles, at Fredericksburg. The road good fifteen miles, and then 
exceeding bad, over rocks and mountains. Saturday, I8th. Set out at 
sunrise. The road good three miles, and then exceeding bad to Danbury, 
fourteen miles, where we arrived at eleven o'clock. Put up at Capt. 
Clarke's. Good entertainment. The ruins of the town are affecting, 
marked with the traces of British inhumanity .2 This town was consid- 
erbly large, and prettily situated between the mountains, with a good soil. 
Apples are plenty here. Some few were to be seen at the river, and a 
gradual increase. The Indian com excellent on this side of the river, and 
the pastures good. Very difficult to get good entertainment. At two 
o'clock set out through Bethel, to which is a good road three miles. Then 
we ascend the shocking mountains which reach to Reading, five miles, Bitt's 
Tavern. This is a pretty village on a hill. From thence we reached 
North Fairfield, five miles, to Esquire Wakeman's, a private house. Had 
good entertainment. 

Sabbath viorning, \9th. Reached Greenfield, Mr. Tennent's,3 six miles. 

1 This invitation to visit West Point, as extended to Manning and his wife, 
through Lieut. Hubbel, and the attention shown them by the generals and offi- 
cers in command, afford a pleasing illustration of Dr. Manning's high character 
and personal influence. He associated with the first men of his times, and on 
terms of equality. Few persons of his day could be called his superiors, save in 
the externals of worldly prosperity. 

2 On the 26th of April, 1777, about two thousand British troops, commanded by 
Gov. William Tyron, reached the village of Danbury between one and two 
o'clock in the afternoon, for the purpose of destroying the military stores in that 
town. They left the next morning, after committing various excesses, burning 
the new meeting-house, nineteen dwellings, twenty-two stores and barns, and an 
immense amount of stores and provisions for the American army. 

3 Rev. William MacKay Tennent, a distinguished Presbyterian minister. He 
graduated at the College of New Jersey in 1763, one year after Dr. Manning. 
In 1772 he became pastor of the church in Greenfield, resigning in 1781 to take 
charge of a church near Philadelphia. He was one of the trustees of New Jer- 



284 MANNING AND Chap. VI. 

Were most kindly received. I preached twice. A large congregation, 
and attentive. Drank tea at Dr. Rogers's, Mr. Tennent's sister, an agree- 
able people, who spent the evening witli us at our lodgings. The road 
stony, but not so bad here. The husbandry very good through all this' 
rough country, in which are raised good crops of wheat. Great crops of 
flax arc raised in these parts, though not so good this year. The hus- 
bandry in Greenfield is good, and the inhabitants very good livers. Mr. 
Tenncnt well settled. Monday morning, Sept. 20. Went to Fairfield, 
three miles, and viewed the ruins of that once beautiful place, which 
shocked me exceedingly. Very few buildings remain. Ninety-six houses, 
besides barns and stores, were burned. Erom thence reached Esquire 
Hubbel's at Stratford, three miles, to dinner. Visited Mr. Ross, who is 
sick with the fever and ague. There I saw Mr. Elliot, of Faii-field, who 
is also sick, as indeed are a great part of the people in this neighborhood. 
Peggy not at home. The family very kind ; tarried here all night. She 
arrived in the evening; is kindly treated by the fiimily, who are plain, good- 
Jiving farmers. I took a Avalk to the southward of the road, and viewed a 
most beautiful, level country, suited to wheat, and the inhabitants very good 
livers ; their buildings very good, and their crops excellent. Spent the 
evening at Esquire Brother's, a likely, agreeable man. Tuesday, Sept. 21. 
Set out at nine o'clock, through Stratford, five miles. The inhabitants 
here had moved out their effects, expecting a visit from the enemy. An 
agreeable town, situated on a river navigable twelve miles above the town. 
Crossing the ferry, reached Milford, five miles, and dined at the Rev. Mr. 
Sherman's. This town large and rich, but their buildings old and in bad 
order in general. Their husbandry through here good, and tiicir crops 
excellent ; plenty of apples. Visited the other minister of the town ; 
was kindly treated, and invited to dine. Here met ^Ir. Elliot again, with 
the ague on him, on his way to Boston. Went in company with the min- 
isters to the Freeman's meeting, to prox for deputies to nominate their 
council, etc., for the election next spring. Was importuned to open the 
meeting by prayer, which is their usage. Attended in order to observe 
their manner of proceeding. Tiie clergy in this State vote for their 



sey College from 1785 to 1S08. lie received the degree of Doctor in Divinity 
from Yale College in 1794; Avas moderator of the General Assembly of the Tres- 
bytcrian Church in 1797. His wife was a daughter of the Kev. Dr. IJogcrs, of 
New Vork. Dr. Alexander speaks of him as having a very sweet temper, and 
distinguished for his hospitality. 



1779. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 285 

officers, and often speak to direct in the choice of men. They have great 
influence on the people. When the meeting is opened by the constables, 
the people are requested to bring in their votes for their first deputy ; 
which done, if one has not more than all the rest, it is declared that he is 
not chosen ; and after declaring the numbers for the respective candi- 
dates, they are requested to bring in again, and so continue to do until he 
is elected. Twenty names at most are put in by each voter for general 
officers, out of which the twelve highest are chosen by the assembly for 
the spring choice. After gratifying my curiosity here, returned to Mr. 
Sherman's, dined, and set out for New Haven, ten miles, where we ar- 
rived in the evening. The road bad most of the way. Went to Mr. Sa- 
bin's, who was ill, and his wife from home. Was put to difficulty to find 
lodging and keeping for our horse, as the town had been sacked by the 
enemy, and the people had their effijcts out of town. Tarried at Mr. 
Lyman's. Indifferent quarters, but a high price. The town shows but 
few marks of outrage to travellers passing through, as the British did not 
burn here. Wednesdai/, Sept. 22. Set out at seven o'clock, having taken 
breakfast. Took the road to Durham, crossed the bridge, and the long 
causeway one half mile over the marsh. The first six or seven miles 
very sandy, then a good soil, and well improved to and through Paug, a 
pleasant village, nine miles. Mr, Williams, minister, invited me to his 
house, but we could only stop to oat. From hence to Durham, excellent 
land and husbandry, and the buildings uncommonly elegant. Durham a 
considerable town, situated on a hill ; the buildings good ; distance nine 
miles. Dined at Landlord Camp's. The people agreeable. After set- 
ting out was stopped by General Wadsworth, and invited to call, but time 
would not admit. Reached Middletown, seven miles, at five o'clock. 
Put up at Capt. Warner's. Was visited by Major Otis. Most kindly 
entertained ; tarried Thursday, visited Mr. Otis, Mr. Hunting, and Capt. 
William Warner's lady. Tarried all night, and set out Friday, 24th, for 
Weathersfield. Crossed the Great Meadows, but the bridge having fallen 
down, were obliged to ferry over, with difficulty, The upper houses form 
a pretty village. It began to rain moderately, which lasted to Wcatliers- 
field. The town here is beautiful, and the inhabitants appear to live well, 
as the soil is exuberant, Vast quantities of onions are raised here for 
importation. Dined at the tavern, next south of the meeting-house, and 
then examined their fine structure ; dimensions eighty-four by fifty feet, 
neatly finished with an elegant pulpit, and the most elegant steeple I have 
seen on the journey. Set out in the rain to Hartford, four miles. Called 



286 MANNING AND BROWN UNIVERSITY. Chap. VI. 

at Capt. Bull's, and found them well, and at Mr. Strong's and Dr. 
Smith's, but found them gone a journey. Passed the fciTy, and reached 
the Widow Bidwel's, in East Hartford, where we lodged. Were kindly 
entertained. Set out Saturday, 25th, at seven o'clock. The road sandy 
from the river ten miles. Gated there ; found the road wet seven miles, 
to Kimball's, where we again oated. Dined at Mansfield, at Mr. Ephraim 
Eolins's, a Christian friend, seven miles. The road bad, and from hence, 
six miles, to Mr. Snow's tavern, in Westford, where we fed. Were hailed 
by Mr. Welch on our way, and invited to tarry and spend the Sabbath ; 
but we meant to reach Capt. Bowles's, which is six miles from Snow's, 
where we arrived in the evening, much fatigued. Mrs. Bowles brought 
forth a son this night. 

Lord's Day, Sept. 26. In company with Capt. Bowles, went to Wood- 
stock to Elder Ledoyt's meeting. Preached in the afternoon. The audi- 
ence solemn and affected. The day being very rainy, tarried all night, 
and thereby disappointed a number who had assembled for meeting at 
Capt. Bowles's. Heard of Mr. Ledoyt a pleasing account of their jour- 
ney into the northern parts last spring, and of the remarkable spread of 
the gospel and of the work of God in various parts. Monday, Sept. 27. 
Set out in company with the Elder. Found Mrs. Bowles better. At tea 
o'clock proceeded to Jeremiah Brown's, three miles, dined, and reached 
Mr. Thurber's before night, five miles. Were visited by several friends. 
Tarried the night, and on Tuesday to dine ; then reached Capt. Corlis's, 
six miles. The Indian corn but indifferent through these parts, but ap- 
ples plenty. Throughout our whole journey the earth remarkably well 
clothed with grass. Visited Jno, Jones's family in the evening. Wednes- 
day, Sept. 29. In the morning set out for Mr. John Brown's in Glouces- 
ter, twelve miles, where we dined. Reached Providence at six o'clock, 
the road better than usual ; being just five months to an hour absent from 
home, and having experienced the abundant goodness of God in the 
journey, in that we had never been molested by ill-disposed persons, nor 
maimed by the extremely bad roads and dangerous mountains over which 
we passed. May the Lord fill our hearts with true thankfulness for his 
abundant mercies through our whole life, and enable us to devote to his 
service lives which have been peculiarly his care ! 



CHAPTEE VII, 

1780-1783. 



Meeting of the Corporation in 1780 — College instruction revived — Manning's 
perseverance — Second interruption — Meeting of tlie Corporation in 1782 — 
Resolution to apply to Congress for damages done to the College edilice dur 
ing the war— First meeting of the Warren Association in Providence — Illus- 
tration of the efforts made by our fathers to educate and improve the " rising 
generation " — Letter to Hon. David Howell — Letter to Eev. Benjamin Wal- 
lin — Brief view of the Religious Condition of the Country — Public exercises of 
Commencement resumed — Manuiug's purpose to proceed to England to so- 
licit funds for the College — His memorial to the Corporation on this subject 
■ — Second letter to Hon. David Howell, giving an account of Commencement 
and of the proceedings of the Corporation — Petition to the King of France 
for his patronage of the College — Sketch of Dr. Benjamin Waterhouse — Let- 
ter from Thomas Jefferson in regard to the aforesaid petition to the King — 
Extracts from a Digest of the College Laws by President Manning — Remarks 
of Tristam Burgess in regard to evening speaking on the chapel stage — Man- 
ning's ideas of college government and discipline — Letter to Henry Kane, of 
London — Letter to Rev. John Rylaud — Influence of the College in favor of 
civil and religious liberty— Letter to Manning from Rev. Dr. Stennctt — An- 
ecdote of Thomas Mullet, Esq., respecting George Washington — Reply to Dr. 
Stennett, giving a history of the times during the war; John Murray; Jemima 
Wilkinson; The " Elect Lady "; increase of religious toleration in New Eng- 
land; calamities of the war; condition of the College; its influence in promot- 
ing Baptist sentiments; character of its library ; plan for an Education Society, 
etc. — Origin of the Rhode Island Baptist Education Society —Letter to Dr. 
Thomas Llewelyn, urging him to endow the College, and thus give it his name, 
according to a provision of the Charter — Extract from an address of the 
Warren Association pertaining to education, and especially to the College. 

In the Providence Gazette for the year 1780, we find 
the following notice : — 

The members of the Corporation of Rhode Island College are ear- 
nestly requested to meet on Friday, the 5th of May next, at nine o'clock 



288 MANNING AND CiiAr. VII. 

A. M., at the College Hall, to transact business of the highest importance 
to the institution, which will then come before them. It is not doubted 
but that every gentleman who has the welfare of the seminary at heart 
will attend if possible. 

Stephen Hopkins, Chancellor. 

James Manning, President. 

Jabez Bowen, 

Thomas Eyres. 
Providence, April 28, 1780. 



At the meeting of the corporation, held agreeably to 
the foregoing advertisement, there were present, of the 
Fellows, the President, Hon. Jabez Bowen, Dr. Thomas 
Eyres, and David Howell ; of the Trustees, Chancellor 
Hopkins, Henry Ward, Nicholas Brown, Josepli Russell, 
Daniel Cahoun, William Russell, Hon. Nicholas Cooke, 
Joseph Brow^n, John Jenckes, and John Brown. 

The object of the meeting appears to have been the re- 
vival of college instruction, with a view to the commence- 
ment of the exercises, which, since Dec. 1776, had been 
suspended. President Manning presented a proposal, stat- 
ing on what terms he would instruct such youth as might 
apply to him for this purpose. The proposal received tlie 
approval of the corporation, and he was accordingly, in 
the language of the record, "ordered to begin." In con- 
sideration of the times, and the great scarcity of money, 
his salary, which had formerly been £100, was fixed at 
£G0, or '$300. Few persons, like Manning, would have had 
the courage and perseverance to revive and carry on the 
instruction of the college, amid the uncertainties of the 
war, the general ])ovcrty and distress that filled tlie land, 
and the despondency and gloom into which the nation, at 
this period, was plunged. In this instance we have an 
illustration of his peculiar fitness to lead in an cnteriidse 



1780-1783. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 289 

which, eighteen years before, his friends at Philadelphia 
had intrusted to his hands. 

"President Manning," says Backus, "now engaged 
again in the work of education. But further interruptions 
were in store for him. On the 25th of June, 1780, while 
he was preaching at the church, it being Sunday, the col- 
lege edifice was a second time seized, by the order of the 
council of war, for a hospital for the French troops, who 
held it until May 27th, 1782." 

The next meeting of the corporation was held on the 
4th of September, 1782, and was fully attended. Among 
the clergymen present from Massachusetts, we notice the 
familiar names of Backus, Stillman, and Smith. The 
following young gentlemen, who, amid all the embarrass- 
ments of the college, had prosecuted and completed their 
course of studies under President Manning, were ex- 
amined, and duly admitted to the degree of Bachelor in 
the Arts ; namely, Obadiah Brown, John Morley Green, 
Joseph Jenckes, Alexander Jones, William McClellan, 
Samuel Snow, and Levi Wheaton. 

Of this number. Green and Snow had served with credit 
in the army. Wheaton, who died in 1851, was made a 
trustee during the Presidency of Dr. Maxcy. In 1815 he 
was appointed Professor of the Theory and Practice of 
Medicine. He was distinguished, says one who knew him 
well, for his learning and skill as a physician, and for his 
taste and varied acquirements in literature. 

At this meeting of the corporation, says the chronicler, 
" the deplorable situation of the seminary was particu- 
larly taken into consideration ; whereupon it was resolved 
that the edifice, which had been long occupied as a bar- 
rack and a hospital by the American and French troops, 
should be directly repaired ; and ample provision Avas 
25 



200 MANNING AND Chap. VII. 

made for the immediate instruction of youth in all the 
branches of polite and useful literature." 

It was also Resolved^ "That Joseph Brown, Henry- 
Ward, William Russell, and Ebenezer Thompson, Esq., 
be a committee to draft a petition to the Continental Con- 
gress, stating the account of the rents due and the dam- 
ages done to the college edifice during its occupancy by 
the American forces and the troops of his most Christian 
Majesty; that they report the same to the Chancellor and 
President; and that on their approbation of it, they sign 
the said petition, in behalf of this Corporation, and forward 
it, together with the former petition, which was prepared 
some time since by the Hon. Jonathan Arnold, Esq, ; and 
the delegates in Congress for the State of Rhode Island 
are requested to use their influence to get the same 
granted." 

The week following, the Warren Association convened 
for the first time in Providence. Fifteen years had now 
elapsed since its organization at Warren, and notwithstand- 
ing the efforts of Manning and others, the parent church 
of the denomination had, during this period, withheld its 
cooperation as a body, and refused to join the Association. 
The opposition of many of its members to singing in pub- 
lic worship, and their adherence to the doctrine of laying 
on of hands, Avere the principal reasons, doubtless, why 
they did not, at an earlier day, cooperate with the neigh- 
boring churches, in united efix)rts for the public good. 
From the minutes of this meeting we copy the following 
extracts, as an illustration of the cfibrts made by our 
lathers for the education of the youth of the "i-ising gen- 
eration" : — 

" As tlic instruction and morals of the rising generation arc objects of 
very great importance, Voltd, Tiiat a si^clling-book, containing a good 



1780-1783. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 291 

English grammar and the Baptist catechism, be published; and Elder 
Foster is desired to prepare said book for the press, in conjunction with 
President Manning, Elders Backus, Stillman, and Skillman, to be pre- 
sented at our next annual meeting for examination; and in the interim, 
for the encouragement of this undertaking, it is recommended to the 
churches to raise by subscription what moneys they can, and send the 
same to the Association next y«ear." 

" The Association, from a representation made to them, by the corpo- 
ration of the college in Providence, of the low state of the funds of said 
college, and the urgent necessity of increasing them in order to support 
suitable instructors therein, and from an idea of the great importance of 
good education, have taken into consideration, as the most probable 
method to accomplish this valuable end, the recommendation of a sub- 
scription throughout all the Baptist societies on this continent, as well as 
to all the friends of literature of every denomination, on the following 
conditions : 

" We, the subscribers, promise and engage to pay the several sums af- 
fixed to our names, to , to be by him paid to John Brown, Esq., of 

Providence, treasurer of the corporation, or his successor in said office, 
or order ; to be placed at interest, and the interest only to be applied for 
the above purpose. 

" N. B. — The several churches are desired to insert in the above blank 
the name of the most suitable person in the society for this service." 

To his early associate in the instruction of the college, 
Manning thus writes : — 

Providence, Nov. 19, 1782. 
To THE Honorable David Howell, 

Delegate in Congress : 
Sir : — This will come to hand too late to announce to you the good 
news concerning the fate of five per cent. This was forwarded bcfoi'e I 
reached here ; but ray letter may serve to congratulate you on the impor- 
tant event. You will not think strange that I have been at home twelve 
days and have never attempted to write until now, when I inform you 
that eight days before I reached here I was seized with a severe fever, with 
which I travelled, though in great distress, near two hundred miles, and 
of which I have been ever since confined. Though it has in a measure 
left me, yet I am still very weak. 



292 MANNING AND Ciiai-. YII. 

On my arrival, I sent and delivci'ed your letters and those of Dr. Ar- 
nold, desiring Mrs. Howell, by Jeremiah, to come and see me, as I could 
not go to her, which she would have done, but the French army are here, 
encamped on the lands of Jcremiali Dexter, and those of his brother's 
heirs. The tOAvn is full of officers, and she is crowded with them as well 
as others. The family, however, arc all well. I found my family well, 
and am told that the town is healthy in general. I am exceeding sorry 
that the committee appointed to prepare and forward the papei's relative 
to the college, have not yet done tliis. Joseph Brown tells me he has 
done everything in liis power, but Mr. Ward has still disappointed them, 
b}-^ one means or other. When it will be accomplished, I know not. The 
edifice has been cleaned, and is now undergoing repairs. It is tenable 
for students. A steward has moved in, J\Ir. Foster. A tutor is also en- 
gaged, one Mr. Robbins, of Wethersficld, who is daily expected. The 
number of students is very small as yet. I still retain the idea of travel- 
ling and soliciting donations for the college ; and I believe the coi'poration 
will approve it. But whom we shall get to supply my place in the in- 
terim, I know not yet. I am unable to attend even to my own business. 
The active executor of my father-in-law's estate, Dr. Dayton, could not 
collect any money for Dicky, son of Richard, who came with me, before 
I came away, but expected to get some before you return. I have desired 
him to have it in readiness by the middle of December, and left at my 
mamma's, and informed him that I expect you to bring it. I wish you to 
come that way and take it if there ; if not, please to call on the Doctor at 
town for it and bring it, and I will cheerfully make good any expense it 
may cause you. 

Dr. Randal is now here, and informs me that he has written Dr. Ar- 
nold by this conveyance fully upon all matters relative to the family, etc. 
Mrs. Manning joins in cordial respects to you and the Doctor, with, sir, 
Your very humble servant, 

Jajiks Ma>xing. 

P. S. — I expect Sister Woodruffe will be in your city before this 
reaches you. I should esteem it a particular favor if you and the Doctor 
would call to see her as you have opportunity. 



The following letter, addressed to liis friend the Rev. 
Benjamin Walliii, of London, of wliosc death he had not 



1780-1783. BROW^ UNIVERSITY. 293 

been informed, presents at this time a striking view of the 
religious condition of the New England during the war : — 



New Jersey, May 23, 1783. 
Dear Sir : 

I feel happy that an intercourse is again opened between the two coun- 
tries, after an eight years' interruption by a most calamitous war, and 
that I can again address a letter to my much esteemed friend and father 
in the ministry, with hopes of its reaching him before his dismission from 
the field of labor. Three years ago the past winter, I received a letter 
from you, accompanied with a small box of books, a very agreeable pres- 
ent, for which you have my most cordial thanks. It came safe, except 
the " Prodigal " for Mr. Stillman, and your poetical composition directed to 
me, which were lost by the way. The rest were delivered as directed. 
Your view of the parable of the prodigal son is to mc the most satisfac- 
tory that I have met with. It has been perused by many here with great 
pleasure. 

I have never written to England since the opportunity in 1776 by 
Mackaness and Shakspear. By yours to mc, as mentioned above, I find 
it was received, and am happy that the short sketch given of the revival 
at Providence, and of the country round, furnished an agreeable enter- 
tainment for my English brethren and friends. But days of tribulation 
have succeeded those happy ones. The calamities of the war fell heavy 
upon us. First a dispersion of our church and congregation upon the 
coming of the King's army, which is in sight of my house. This was 
immediately followed by the evils attendant on a garrison, as we became 
a frontier. The dreadful effects of this upon the morals of the inhabi- 
tants who remained, I need not mention. But what of all things was 
the most distressing to me, was the lukewarmness of almost all professors 
of religion, and the total apostasy of many. The contagion became gen- 
eral. The places of worship were almost abandoned. Alarm upon 
alarm destroyed all tranquillity, and every day and night threatened us 
Avith that desolating devastation which spread with such rapidity along 
our coasts. The college was quite broken up, and the edifice was 
occupied by a rude and wasting soldiery, first for barracks, and then for 
a hospital, until they threatened its almost total demolition. 

But language would fail to paint in proper colors the horrors of these 
days. Aboui this time one John Murray, alias Murphy, supposed to be 
25* 



294 MANNING AND Chap. VII. 

a fugitive from justice in Great Britain, with great address undertook to 
propagate the doctrine of universal salvation, as held by a Mr. Relly, in 
his book on Union, of which Muiray was a mere retailer. In this work 
he was too successful in the towns and counties through New England. 
The avidity with which this error was imbibed greatly contributed to the 
decline of the morals of the people, and to unsettle the mmds of profes- 
sors. Soon after this, two women, who pretended to a participation of 
Deity, set up new kinds of superstition. One of them pretended to be 
Jesus Christ in the form of a woman. In her preaching and praying she 
considered herself as the Mediator. The other pretended to pardon sins, 
and to be at the head of a new dispensation, of which the form of wor- 
ship is dancing, turning round on one foot, pretending to speak in un- 
known tongues, etc., etc. Slie interdicted all intercourse between the 
sexes, so that separations between man and wife became common, among 
those v/ho would attain to a state of absolute perfection. The fruits of 
this ex parte religion you will easily conjecture. She, with her attendants, 
came to America from Liverpool, or its vicinity, about the commence- 
ment of the war. But what will astonish 3'ou most of all is that great 
multitudes are ensnared by these delusions, and follow then- pernicious 
ways. 

Yet notwithstanding these discouraging circumstances, a glorious reform- 
ation has progressed, during the past three or four years, in many pai-ts 
of New England, and about two thousand persons have in consequence re- 
ceived believer's baptism, and several Baptist churches have been consti- 
tuted. The good effects of this work are yet visible. Several places have 
been visited during tlie past year, and in these the good work of grace still 
continues. Dear Mr. Thurston, of Newport, and liis people, have had 
a blessed shower, between thirty and forty of their number having lately 
been baptized. The attendance on public worship with us at Providence 
has of late inspired me with hopes of better times. 

The college is again revived ; but our exhausted state Avill enable us to 
make only a partial repair of the edilice, and that by bon'owiug money. 
We have been so happy as to preserve our little fund amidst the wreck of 
public credit, but the present exhausted state of the treasury prevents 
our commanding the interest when due. The return of peace will, we 
hope, remedy this inconvenience ere it be of long continuance. The pros- 
pect of students grows more encouraging, though at present the number 
is small. 

I write this from New .K-rscy, whitlii'r 1 have come via New York, fof 



1780-1783. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 295 

the first time in seven years. Last Lord's Day I preached here, and ex- 
pect to preach for two Sabbaths to come. The Baptist meeting-house is 
still occupied for a hospital, and greatly out of repair. The people seem 
much disposed to hear the word, although attendance at church has long 
been out of vogue among them. Rev. Messrs. Miller and Stelle, of the 
Scotch Plains and Piscataway churches, two eminent Baptist ministers, 
died nearly two years ago. Their people have not yet found Elishas to 
take their places. Political contentions have proved exceedingly mis- 
chievous in many of our churches. A spirit of toleration, however, is 
vastly more prevalent among the Pedobaptists since the war. To this 
our friend Mr. Baqkus, who is well and still active, has contributed much. 
I fear I shall not have time to write by this opportunity to any of my 
English brethren except yourself. Please to present my best respects to 
all inquiring friends ; for I will presume that I have some who will inquire 
for me. Let me be favored with a letter by the first opportunity. With 

sentiments of the highest respect, 

I am, etc., 

James Manning. 

In 1783 the public exercises of Commencement were re- 
sumed, on which occasion the Rev. Dr. Stillman preached 
an animating sermon from Luke xv. 32 : " It was meet 
that we should make merry and be glad ; for this thy 
brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is 
found." An account of this Commencement, and of the 
proceedings of the subsequent meeting of the corporation, 
may best be learned from a letter to Mr. Howell. It will 
be observed that Manning again alludes to his purpose to 
proceed to England to solicit funds for the college. In 
reference to tliis matter we make the following extract 
from the records of a meeting of the corporation held on 
the 27th of January, 1783 : — 

"President Manning laid before them a memorial setting forth the 
smallness of the college funds, and the necessity of augmenting them to 
preserve the institution from dissolution, and offered his services to travel 
abroad to solicit donations for augmenting them as per memorial on file ; 
which being duly considered by the members present, it was agreed to 



296 MANNING AND Cjiap. VII. 

recommend to the President to proceed to solicit donations, as soon as a 
proper person can be found to superintend the college in his absence ; and 
that the secretary make out for him proper' credentials, sealed with the 
college seal and signed by the secretary." 

The following is the " memorial," to which reference is 
here made : — 

To the Honorable the Chancellor and the Members of the College in 

Providence, convened by special request on Wednesday, the 25th of 

December, 1782 : 

Gentlemen : — The present low state of the funds of the college, and 
the consequent embarrassment of this corporation in conducting and ad- 
vancing the institution, are matters of too great notoriety to need eluci- 
dation. Any plan, therefore, which renders an augmentation of them 
probable, I presume must meet your warmest approbation. The only 
one which I can conceive can at present be adopted is, to appoint some 
person, whom you shall judge qualified, to solicit benefactions of whom 
and wheresoever he sliall think proper, for the sole purpose of endow- 
ing the college or making suitable provision for tuition therein, — Avithal 
assuring the donors that the corporation have pledged their faitli that 
the interest only of the net proceeds of the money so collected shall be 
ap]iiopriated, and that the principal shall be reserved as a perpetual fund. 

Looking around amongst the friends of the college, I can find no one who 
will undertake this arduous service unless I do it myself ; and thougli, at my 
time of life, encumbered as I am with the cares of a family, the congrega- 
tion, and the college, together with the mortifications which must unavoida- 
bly attend the execution, I find it exceeding difficult to enter on the design ; 
yet my strong attachment to the interests of the college has induced me, 
for the want of a more suitable person, in the face of every difficulty to 
oifer my services, on the following conditions : That the corporation 
shall, while on this service, discharge me from all duty in the college ; 
that they furnish me with a proper authorization, and, out of the mon- 
eys I shall collect, pay me the sum of one hundred pounds lawful money 
per annum, besides defraying all my necessary expenses ; that they 
allow me the use of the college estate ^ as Avhen at home, and leave it to 

1 The house occupied by rrosideiit Mainiiuf?, and by his successors Maxcy and 
Messer, and lor u while by Wayhuid, ^vas built at liie time of the erection of 



1780-1783. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 297 

my judgment in what places and how long to pursue this object. And 
should any difficulty arise concerning taking the moneys out of the gov- 
ernments where collected, it shall be left to my judgment how to dispose 
of them to the best advantage of the corporation. 

Should the above propositions be acceded to, as soon as I can adjust 
my private concerns I engage, by divine permission, to begin and faith- 
fully pursue the business as long as there is, in my opinion, a prospect of 
success. If it should be said that the state of war in which we are in- 
volved, the desolations of many parts of the country, the weight of taxes, 
scai'city of money, and drought of the last summer, all militate against 
this proposal, I freely grant the great force of all these arguments ; but 
in my opinion matters are come to a point, and the question is not 
whether there have not been and may probably hereafter be more favor- 
able times to collect money, but whether the college can be continued with 
any degree of reputation without some speedy exertions. I confess I 
think it cannot, and therefore necessity impels this measure. Besides, the 
Baptist Associations, held the last fall in this town and in the city of 
Philadelphia, lent a favorable ear to some proposals for augmenting the 
college revenue ; but withal concluded that the only method to succeed 
would be for me to follow them by a personal application. And I con- 
ceive the only time to obtain their money is when the people are willing 
to part with it, whatever difficulty they may find in obtaining it. These 
proposals, however, are cheerfully submitted to your better judgment, by, 
gentlemen. 

Your humble servant, 

James Manning. 

This plan of President Manning, which was never car- 
ried into effect, owing doubtless to the difficulty in finding 
a suitable person to take his place in the college and in 
the church, is another of the many proofs of his ardent 
desire to promote the interests of " religion and sound 
learning," and of his willingness to make sacrifices in be- 
half of the institution over which he presided. But to the 
letter : — 



University Hall. It stood where now is the old college pump, directly in front 
of Mauuing Hall. 



298 MANNING AND Chap. VII. 

Providence, Sept. 13, 1783. 
To THE Honorable David Howell, 

Delegate in Congress : 

Dear Sir : — Last night brought me your favor of the ITtli ult. ; by 
some means it has had a long passage. Am much obliged for the intelli- 
gence you communicate. I with you hope our happy Constitution may be 
preserved entire, and that place-men and pensioners may figure small under 
it, whatever raised hopes may have been entertained by candidates. I wish 
to know the event of the examination you mentioned, which was so full 
of expectation on the part of the examined. I am glad to hear that you 
are so happy in your colleague. I shall not be wanting in seconding your 
wishes with respect to your sou. He does not make a rapid progress in 
language, but does much better than heretofore. He performed very well 
the last public speaking. 

Our public Commencement met the highest approbation of a most nu- 
merous assembly, amongst whom were the high Consul of France, the 
Count dal Verme of Milan, and several English and Dutch merchants, 
who were very liberal in their encomiums on the performers and perform- 
ances. It is generally thought, both by the friends of the college and 
others, to equal if not exceed any we have ever had. And I am happy 
to inform you that it seems to have inspired its friends with new life. Mr. 
John Brown requested the corporation to ascertain the sum necessary to 
procure a complete philosophical apparatus and library, and offered to 
advance, forthwith, one half tlic sum, ])rovided the corporation would 
advance, or find ways and means to advance, the other half. It was found 
impracticable to ascertain this exactly. He then oifercd to equal any sum 
they could raise. A subscription was immediately set on foot, and pur- 
sued by Mr. Smith in the toAvn the succeeding days, which amounted to 
better than £340 ; and will, witli Mr. John Brown's, cipxal, if not exceed, 
£700 lawful money. A catalogue of the library and apparatus is ordered 
to be made out immediately. If you can assist us, by procuring from 
your friends any large catalogues of books, or can yourself furnish one 
both of the library and apparatus, we shall bo hai)py to receive your as- 
sistance, as soon as possible. Governor Hopkins, Joseph Brown, Doc- 
tors Watcrhouse and Drowne, Mr. Stillman and myself are appointed to 
this service ; and we mean to have them jjrcpared as soon as practicable. 

Messrs. Stillman and Waterhousc, with the President, arc appointed to 
draft an address and jietition to the King of France for his patronage of 
the college, and a donation similar to that oflcrcd to Yale College, and 



1780-1783. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 299 

forward it to you to use your influence witli the INIiuistcr of France to get 
his sanction of it, and to point out the proper way of access to his most 
Christian Majesty, as soon as may be. And while it is preparing I am to 
request you to feel the pulse of the Minister relative to it, and advise us 
accordingly. This matter is ordered to be kept a secret, and by'the cor- 
poration, lest -we should be interrupted. President Wheelock, on this 
business for Dartmouth College, writes that he is likely to succeed equal 
to his expectations. It Avas also voted that Mr. William Van Horn should 
solicit benefactions to the southward of Pennsylvania, the President in the 
Middle States, Rev. Benjamin Foster through New England, and Rev. 
William Rogers go on the business to Europe. Mr. Foster I have since 
seen. He informs me that he cannot accept his appointment. Mr. Rog- 
ers has also intimated as much to me, in consequence of the ill state of 
his wife's health, and I am again in the question for this service. The 
great objection to this is, to have the college provided for in the interim. 
All agree, if you should return at the beginning of winter, and will un- 
dertake, that the objection will be removed ; and I wish a line from you 
on this subject as soon as possible, as it is thought necessary to proceed 
to Europe this fall. In short, we are determined to make every possible ex- 
ertion to make the college respectable if possible. Dr. Drowne is chosen 
Fellow in the room of Dr. Babcock ; Dr. Watcrhouse^ has qualified also; 
Welcome Arnold is chosen in the room of Governor Cook. 

1 Dr. Benjamin Waterhouse was chosen a Fellow of the college in 1782. This 
gentleman, says Prof. Godclard, whose brief sketch of him we in the main quote, 
distinguished in the medical history of our country as " the American Jenner," 
was born in Newport, R. I. His father, originally a Presbyterian, embraced the 
religious opinions of the Society of Friends, after he had reached mature life; 
and to those opinions he remained sincerely attached till his death, at an ad- 
vanced age. His son, to borrow his own language, " was born and educated 
in the principles of liberal Quakerism." He never, however, adopted the pecu- 
liarities of that quiet and useful sect, nor was he accustomed to unite with them 
in their religious worship. Dr. Waterhouse never received a college education ; 
but few of our countrymen have been more frequently honored by distinctions 
from literary and scientific bodies, at home and abroad. That his early academ- 
ical training was not neglected, is evident from his various publications, some of 
which evince a familiarity with the learned languages. He was a pupil of the 
celebrated Dr. Fothergill, of London, and he subsequently pursued his medical 
studies at the famous schools of Edinburgh and Leyden. From the Leyden 
school be received the degree of Doctor in Medicine. In 1783 he was appointed 
Professor of the Theory and Practice of Medicine in Harvard University, and he 
coiitiuued to perform the duties of that chair for the period of nearly thirty 



300 MANNING AND Chap. VII. 

Last Tuesday I attended the Association at Charlton. The convention 
was large and unanimous. I discover a growing attachment to litera- 
ture, though by reason of the drought last year, etc., they had not com- 
I)lied with the request to raise money for the college, except Mr. Gair, 
who produced £13. Several more had begun, and the recommendation 
is still continued, with some additional stimulus. The plenteous crop of 
the present year, I hope, will enable the well di.>;poscd to lend us some 
assistance. 

We have chosen the device for a seal, which Dr. Drowne exhibited, with 
the alteration of an enclosed instead of an open temple. Probably we 
shall employ you to get it engraved at Philadelphia, if you will take the 
trouble, as we expect it will be your winter residence. The subscription 
I mentioned was in books, apparatus, and money. 

Mrs. Anthony is here, Avho, with IMrs. Manning, ^s'as at your house yes- 
terday. They inform me your father is tlicre, in a low state of health. 
Your mamma Corlis also continues to decline. Mrs. Manning presents 
her most respectful compliments to the honorable delegate, and Mrs. 
Anthony requests me to do the same to the old gentleman. She returned 
here from Boston last Monday. I had quite forgot to tell you we did not 
take up the consideration of our address to Congress for damages, etc., 
done the college. We wisli you to feel the pulse of your acquaintance 
relative thereto ; and if tliei-e should be an opening, to give us the earliest 
advice, that Ave may improve the opportunity to apply. With sentiments 
of esteem, I am, sir, 

Your very humble servant, 

James Manning. 

In reference to the Count dal Verme, to whom allusion 
is here made, we find the following anecdote from the Hon. 
Asher Robbiiis, quoted by Prof Goddard, as an illustration 
of the diiynitv and 2^race witli wliich Dr. Manning: was 

years. This w»s i.moiig the earliest medical schools established in America. In 
178-i Dr. Waterhousc was elected Professor of Natural History in liliode Island 
College, and whi!e occupying this chair he delivered, in the State House iu 
Providence, the first course of lectures upon that science ever delivered in the 
United States. The benevolent and intrepid agency of Dr. Waterhouse iu intro- 
ducing vaccination into this country, is too well known to the public to need 
more than a imbsiug allusion, lie died at an advauced age, in the year 1846. 



1780-1783. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 301 

accustomed to preside at the annual Commencements. "I 
recollect," he says, " that at one of our Commencements, a 
French gentleman of distinction (I think he bore some 
title of nobility) was jiresent. He sat by Dr. Waterhouse, 
and was, I think, introduced and presented by him. They 
conversed together in Latin, either as, being learned men, 
they chose to converse in a learned language, or as the 
Frenchman being less perfect in English and the Doctor 
in French, they found it more easy to converse in Latin. 
Struck with the natural dignity and grace, the Frenchman 
whispered to the Doctor, ' JVatalis prcesidere ' (born to pre- 
side). I heard this from Dr. Waterhouse himself the next 
day." 

In looking over the records, we find that at a special 
meeting of the corporation, held on the 7th of January, 
1784, the address to which Manning in his letter to How- 
ell refers, "drawn up by the Rev. Samuel Stillman and Dr. 
Benjamin Waterhouse, was read and approved." 

It was also at this meeting voted, " That the Chancel- 
lor, the President, Hon. Jabez Bowen, and Dr. Solomon 
Drowne, be a committee to draft a letter to Dr. Benjamin 
Franklin, to accompany the address to his most Christian 
Majesty." 

The following is the address, which we copy from an 
original document now on file among the archives of the 
University. The penmanship of the document, it may be 
added, is remarkably clear and handsome, and the signa- 
tures to it are genuine. Some slight verbal alterations 
rendered it necessary to prepare another, and hence this is 
retained. A first draft, also, in the handwriting apparently 
of Dr. Stillman, is on file. 

SiKE : — The Rhode Island College, studious of promoting literature, 
and of disseminating that kind of knowledge which tendcth to impress 
26 



302 MANNING AND Chap. VII. 

the minds of youth under their direction with such sentiments of benevo- 
lence as are circumscribed in no less bounds than the whole bulk of man- 
kind, look up to your Majesty, not only as a friend and promoter of such 
knowledge, but also, like many of your illustrious ancestors, a patron of 
those arts which polish humanity and exalt our natures. 

With these sentiments we regard the monarch of France, and with all 
deference beg leave to express our wishes of having a professor of the 
French language and history in this our infant seminary, — a thing we 
ardently desire, but are unable to accomplish. 

Ignorant of the French language, and separated as we were by more 
than mere distance of countries, we too readily imbibed the prejudices of 
the English, — prejudices which we have renounced since we have had a 
nearer view of the brave army of France, who actually inhabited this col- 
lege edifice ; since which time our youth seek with avidity whatever can 
give them information respecting the character, genius, and influence 
of a people tliey have such reason to admire, — a nation so eminently 
distinguished for polished humanity. 

To satisfy this laudable thirst of knowledge, nothing was wanting but 
to encourage and diffuse the French language ; and that not merely as the 
principal means of rendering an intercourse with our brethren of France 
more easy and beneficial, but also for spreading far and wide the history 
of the so celebrated race of kings, statesmen, philosophers, poets, and 
benefactors of mankind which France has produced. 

As no king will be held by us in so lasting and so dear a remembrance, 
so there is no name we are more desu'ous of repeating as the founder of 
the French language and history in this country than your Majesty's, and 
that too as much from gratitude to your Majesty as profit to ourselves. 

From the scarcity of French books, our youth can at present only draw 
their information from English writers, and not from the more pure 
source, tiie French themselves. Our wish has therefore been to procure 
a i)roper collection of the best French authors, and to establish a profes- 
sorship of the French language and history in the College of Rhode Island 
and Providence Plantations ; but such have been the obstructions to learn- 
ing during the war, and tlic course of education so impeded, that the 
edifice erected for the reception of the studious youth was granted by the 
governors of the college as a hospital for the troops. These, together 
with the calamities of the country, render it impossible for us to carry our 
design into execution respecting French literature, 

Ilegarding, therefore, your Majesty as a monarch endowed with quali- 



1780-17.83. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 303 

ties that add lustre to a crown, ever ready to patronize what is good and 
useful, we presume to solicit your Majesty's assistance ; firmly believing 
that whatever tends to make men wiser, better, and happier will meet 
with your royal assistance and encouragement. 

May the common Father of the universe bless our endeavors, and make 
your Majesty the happy instrument of raising to us the literary genius of 
France in ages past as from the dead. May sacred and unerring wisdom 
ever be your guide, adorn you with every virtue, and crown you with 
every blessing, that future ages may commemorate the happiness of your 
reign with grateful admiration. 

Signed by order and in behalf of the corporation, 

Stephen Hopkins, Chancellor. 
James INLinning, President. 
Providence, State of Rhode Island, Jan. 9, 1784. 

This address was eventually put into the hands of 
Thomas Jefferson by the Rhode Island Delegates to Con- 
gress, the matter having been intrusted to them. We 
may be allowed to anticipate somewhat, and give the re- 
sult of the application, by publishing the following letter, 
which we find in the second volume of Jefferson's Works. 

Paris, July 22, 1787. 
To THE Delegates or Ehode Island : 

Gentlejien : — I was honored in the month of January last with a 
letter from the honorable the delegates of Rhode Island in Congress, en- 
closing a letter from the coi-poration of Rhode Island College to his most 
Christian Majesty, and some other papers. I was then in the hurry of 
preparation for a journey into the south of France, and therefore unable 
at that moment to make the inquiries which the object of the letter ren- 
dered necessary. As soon as I returned, which was in the last month, I 
turned my attention to that object, which was the establishment of a pro- 
fessorship of the French language in the college, and the obtaining a col- 
lection of the best French authors, with the aid of the Bang. That neither 
the college nor myself might be compromitted uselessly, I thought it neces- 
sary to sound, pre\aously, those who were able to inform me what would 
be the success of the application. I was assured, so as to leave no doubt, 
that it would not be complied with ; that there had never been an instance 



304 MANNING AND Chap. YII. 

of the King's granting such a demand in a foreign country, and that they 
would be cautious of setting the precedent ; that, in tliis moment, too, 
they were embarrassed with the difficult operation of putting down all es- 
tablishments of their own which could possibly be dispensed with, in order 
to bring their expenditures down to the level of their receipts. Upon such 
information I was satisfied that it was most prudent not to deliver the 
letter, and spare to both parties the disagrecablencss of giving and re- 
ceiving a denial. The- King did give to two colleges in America copies 
of the works printing in the public press. But were this to be obtained 
for the College of Rhode Island, it would extend only to a volume or two 
of BufFon's work still to be printed, Manilius's Astronomicon, and one 
or two other works in the press which are of no consequence. I did not 
think this an object for the college Avorth being pressed. I beg the favor 
of you, gentlemen, to assure the corporation that no endeavors of mine 
should have been spared could they have effected their wish, and that 
they have been faithfully used in making the preliminary inquiries which 
are necessary, and which ended in an assurance that nothing could be 
done. These papers having been transmitted to me through yoiu- dele- 
gation, will, I hope, be an apology for my availing myself of the same 
channel for communicating the result. 

I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and 
respect, gentlemen, 

Your most obedient and most humble servant, 

Thomas Jefferson. 

The most important business transacted at tlie annual 
meeting of the corporation in 1783, was the confirming 
and ratifying of a new digest of the college laws, which 
had been carefully made by President Manning. A few 
extracts from this digest may serve to illustrate tlie char- 
acter and liberal tendencies of the college, as also the 
sj)irit of the times : — 

1. No student shall be admitted into this college until he shall have 
written out a correct copy of the laws of the college, or have otherwise 
obtained them, and had them signed by the President and one or more 
of the tutors, as the evidence of his admission ; which copy he shall keep 
by him during his residence in .college. 



1780-1783. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 305 

2. Both before and after noon, and before nine o'clock in the evening, 
the tutors in their turn shall duly visit the rooms of the students to 
observe whether they be within and pursuing their studies ; and shall 
punish all those who are absent without liberty or necessity. 

3. The President and tutors, according to their judgments, shall teach 
and instruct the several classes in the learned languages, and in the lib- 
eral arts and sciences, together with the vernacular tongue. 

The following are the classes appointed for the first year, namely : In 
Latin, Virgil, Cicero's Orations, and Horace, all in usum Delphini. In 
Greek, the New Testament, Lucian's Dialogues, and Xenophon's Cyro- 
psedia. For the second year, in Latin, Cicero de Oratore, and Coesar's 
Commentaries ; in Greek, Homer's Iliad, and Longinus on the Sublime, 
together with Lowth's Vernacular Grammar, Rhetoric, Ward's Oratory, 
Sheridan's Lectures on Elocution, Guthrie's Geography, Kaimes's El- 
ements of Criticism, Watts and Duncan's Logic. For the third year, 
Hutchinson's Moral Philosophy, Doddridge's Lectures, Fenning's Arith- 
metic, Hammond's Algebra, Stone's Euclid, Martin's Trigonometry, 
Love's Surveying, Wilson's Navigation, Martin's Philosophia Britannica, 
and Ferguson's Astronomy, with Martin on the Globes. In the last year, 
Locke on the Understanding, Kennedy's Chronology, and Bolingbroke 
on History; and the Languages, Arts, and Sciences studied in the fore- 
going years to be accurately reviewed. 

4. Two of the students, in rotation, shall, every evening, after prayers, 
pronounce a piece upon the stage ; and all the members of the college 
shall meet every Wednesday afternoon in the hall, at the ringing of the 
bell at two o'clock, to pronounce before the President and tutors pieces 
well committed to memory, that they may receive such corrections in 
their manner as shall be judged necessary. ^ 

1 In reference to this custom, which was continued down to a very late period, 
with some modifications, the Hon. Tristam Burges, in his Address before the 
Federal Adelphi, thus speaks: " You all remember the elevated advanced stage 
where the speaker took his stand, when, under the supervision of the whole au- 
thority, surrounded by the entire collegiate assembly, awed by the continued and 
pervading spirit of the hour and the occasion, he gave utterance to his own, so 
soon as the last echo of the voice of devotion had ceased to whisper in the ear of 
the listening audience. It was not to all the assembled Greeks, it was not at the 
Olympic Games that he spoke; but the pupil who passed through this ordeal 
under the eye of Manning or Maxcy, has never since that time, with more anx- 
iety prepared himself for any other, or gone through it with more fear and 
trembling." 



306 MANNING AND Chap. VIL 

5. It IS not permitted any one, in the hours of study, to speak to 
another, except in Latin, either in the college or college yard. 

6. The Senior Class, when rcquu-ed, shall read a chapter out of the 
Greek Testament into English, before morning prayers ; the President or 
tutors calling on whom they think proper of the class to perform this 
duty. 

7. Every student shall attend public worship every first day of the week, 
where he, his parents, or his guardians shall think proper, provided that 
any who do not attend with any officer of instruction produce vouchers, 
when demanded, of his steady and orderly attendance. 

N. B. — Such as regularly and statedly observe the seventh day as a 
Sabbath, are exempted from this law, and are only required to abstain 
from secular employments, which would interrupt their fellow-students. 

8. Agreeably to the charter of this college, which enacts that Chris- 
tians of every denomination shall, Avithout the least molestation in the 
peculiarities of their religious principles, enjoy free liberty, etc., it is 
ordered, that if any student of this college shall deny the being of a God, 
the existence of vh'tue and vice, or that the books of the Old and New 
Testaments are of divine authority, or suggest any scniples of this 
nature, or circulate books of such pernicious tendency, or frequent the 
company of those who are known to favor such fatal errors, or harass 
and disquiet the minds of his fellow-students respecting any of the pecu- 
liarities of their Christian faith, by ridicule, sneers, scoffing, infidel sug- 
gestions, or in any other way, and shall continue obstinate therein after 
tlie first and second admonition, he shall be expelled from the college. 

Young gentlemen of the Hebrew nation are to be exempt from this law, 
so far as it relates to the New Testament and its authenticity. 

9. No student, except those who statedly attend the Friends' meeting, 
is permitted to wear his hat within the college walls ; nor when speaking 
to, or spoken to by, or is in company with an officer of instruction, unless 
he be permitted by them to put it on. 

10. The times of vacation shall be from September 6 to October 20, 
from December 24 to January 24, and from the first Monday in May 
three weeks. 

11. And whereas the statutes are few and general, there must necessarily 
be lodged witli the President and tutors a discretional or parental author- 
ity ; therefore, where no statute is particulary and expressly jjrovided for 
a case that may occur, they are to exercise this discretionary authority 
according to the known customs of similar institutions, and the plain gen- 



1780-1783. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 307 

eral rules of the moral law. And in general the penalties are to be of the 
more humane kind, such as are at once expressive of compassion for the 
offender and of indignation at the offence, such as are adapted to work 
upon the nobler principles of humanity, and to move the more honorable 
springs of good order and submission to government. 

As a distinguished writer well remarks, the character 
of institutions, and alike of nations, is best known from 
their laws. We should be glad, therefore, did space allow, 
to i^resent further extracts from this interesting digest. In 
the last paragraph, as above quoted, President Manning 
may be supposed to have embodied liis ideas in respect 
to college government and discipline, which, says his pu- 
pil and successor, Dr. Maxcy, " was mild and peaceful ; 
conducted by that persuasive authority, which secures 
obedience while it conciliates esteem." 

The old stock, so to speak, of students, having now be- 
come exhausted, there were no more public Commence- 
ments until the year 1786, at which time the Freshman 
Class of 1782 were prepared to graduate. The progress 
of events during this period can best be learned from Man- 
ning's correspondence, which we present in chronological 
order. From the following letter to Mr. Kane, it appears 
that his friend and former correspondent, the Rev. Benja- 
min Wallin, had made a bequest to the college. How large 
this bequest was we cannot readily determine, as no men- 
tion of it is to be found in the records of the corporation. 

TO ME. HENRY ElANE, WALW^OETH, NEAE LONDON. 

Pkovidence, Nov. 8, 1783. 

Sir : — I sympathize with you in the loss of your late venerable and 

pious pastor, tlic Rev. Mr. Wallin. I hope the church may find some 

Elisha to take his mantle, who, under the great Head of the church, may 

build you up. I am pleased to find that in his last will and testament he 



308 MANNING AND Chap. VII. 

remembered the college. Mr. Mullett showed me the letter from you 
to him on the subject of discharging or receipting the papers. Mr. 
John Brown, our treasurer, who is empowered by the* Trustees and Fel- 
lows to conduct all the money-matters of the corporation, has settled with 
Mr. Mullett, as you will see by his receipt, attested by the Chancellor 
and President. You may rely upon receiving his receipt at an early day. 
The college has been dispersed during the war, but is again lifting up 
its head. The damages it has sustained, and the low state of its funds, 
call aloud for the assistance of its friends who are able to establish it. 
It has not yet received a name, for want of some distinguished benefactor. 
Such a person wc should be glad to find amongst our friends in England 
unto whom God in his providence has given wealth and influence. We 
are making an effort to do something here in America, but the burdens of 
the war leave us but a gloomy prospect. The corporation have subscribed 
near seven hundred pounds lawful money, six shillings to a dollar, towards 
augmenting our little library and furnishing an apparatus, besides advanc- 
ing near one half of this sum out of their own pockets for the repairs of 
the edifice. Every testimony of regard for it will be most thankfully re- 
ceived and acknowledged by the corporation, and especially by him who 
has the honor to be, sir. 

Your humble servant, 

James Manning. 

TO THE IlEV. JOHN RYLAND. 

Providenck, Nov. 8, 1783. 
My dear Friend : 

It is long since I have had the pleasure of receiving a line from you, 
but I congratulate you on the return of peace and the opening again of a 
communication between England and America. I shall not at present 
trouble you with my reasoning on this surprising revolution, but shall 
only say that I am convinced that it is of God. To recount the distress- 
ing trials through which wc have passed during the war, would but open 
again the wounds and cause them to bleed afresh. I suppose Mr. Ryland 
has no less aflection for his American brethren than hithcrtoforc, and 
therefore take the liberty of addressing a line to him with the same free- 
dom as before. 

The state of rcliuion througliout America lias l)ccn on tlie dcclino for 
several years, and llic most destructive errors Iiave jjrcvailod, excepting 



1780-1783. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 309 

a revival three or four years since in New England, and some favorable 
appearances of late. I should have excepted, however, the frontier parts 
of the country, for the wilderness has blossomed like the rose, and the 
Baptist principles have greatly prevailed there. The college was broken 
up for nearly six years, and the edifice devoted to the uses of the army. 
It is again revived, and twelve students now belong to it. More are ex- 
pected. The edifice received great damage, but has been partially re- 
paired, at the private expense of the corporation, who have also subscribed 
near £700 lawful money to augment our little library and procure an 
apparatus. The catalogues are making out, and when ready will be for- 
warded to England to give our friends, with you, an opportunity of testi- 
fying afresh their attachment. We are making application also through 
this continent to get what endowments we can for the college, but our 
exhausted state promises little favorable. The college has the reputation 
of contributing not a little to the interests of religion, not to say civil lib- 
erty. Tills has interested the Baptist society in general to look with a 
more favorable eye upon litei-ature. But the burden of taxes, with their 
losses through the war, furnish them with arguments to withhold their 
pecuniary assistance which the most able logicians cannot confute. Can 
you find no gentleman of fortune among you who wishes to rear a lasting 
monument to his honor in America ? If you can, direct his attention to 
the Hill of Providence, in the State of Rhode Island, wliercon an elegant 
edifice is already erected, which waits for a name from some distinguished 
benefactor. The corporation are determined to do this honor to its great- 
est benefactor. Should some English gentleman deign to become such, 
it may serve to cement that union which I wish ever to see cultivated be- 
tween the two countries, notwithstanding our independence. I promise 
myself your interest in finding such an one, if in your power. I must 
refer you to a letter to Dr. Stennett of this date for a more particular 
account of the state of affairs amongst us, as I have not time now to be 
particular. I should be happy to receive one of your old-fashioned long 
letters by the return of this vessel or the first which may come. It is prob- 
able there will be opportunity of transmitting letters as usual twice a year, 
as the trade from Providence is again opened directly to London. I 
should hav^e written in the spring, but was absent when the vessel sailed. 
Our dear friend Mr. Wallin is released from the field of labor, as I learn 
by my letter fiom Dr. Stennett, wlio has done me the honor to begin a 
correspondence, and requested me to continue it. With tliis request I 
shall with pleasure comply. Please to present my Christian salutation to 



310 MANNING AND Chap. VII. 

your worthy flimily, especially to your son, Mr. John Ryland, Jr., from 
whom a letter would be most acceptable to him who wishes you the high- 
est felicity, and is with every sentiment of esteem, dear sir, 

Your unv/orthy brother and servant in the gospel, 

James Manning. 

The Rev. Dr. Stennett, to whom Manning here refers, 
thus writes under date of May 14, 1783 : — 

Dear Sir : 

It is a long time since I had the pleasure of hearing from you. Among 
other evils that have been suffered from the late unhappy and unnatural 
condition between this country and North America, the embargo that has 
been laid upon epistolary correspondence is no inconsiderable one. But 
this evil is now removed, and you will give me leave to congratulate you 
on the event. We won't at present enter into the various political reason- 
ings concerning this extraordinary revolution. God is no doubt bringing 
about his great purposes, and it is to be hoped that even during the late 
perilous times the temple of the Lord has been building with you as well 
as with us. 

This letter my friend Mr. j\Iullett,i brother-in-law to Mr. Caleb Evans 
of Bristol, puts into your hands. He is a very worthy, sociable man, goes 
over upon very considerable affairs of a mercantile kind, and will be 
capable of giving you a variety of information. My brevity now, there- 

1 Thomas Mullett, Esq., a merchant of the first respectability. He was a na- 
tive of Taunton, England, and died at Clapham, Nov. 14, 1814, in the sixty- 
ninth year of his age. He possessed, says his biographer, an excellent under- 
standing, and was a firm friend to civil and religious liberty. The following 
anecdote is related of him in Evans's Life of Kichards: — 

" Thomas Mullett, Esq., was soon after the American war at Mount Vernon, 
the seat of General Washington. Besides other flattering marks of attention, 
Washington, when alone with him in his library, asked him if lie had seen any 
individual in that country who was competent to the task of writing a history 
of the late unliappy contest. Mr. M. replied, with his usual presence of mind, 
' I know of one, and one only, competent to the task.' The General eagerly 
asked, 'Who, sir, can that individual be?' Mr. M. remarked, ' Caesaf wrote 
his own commentaries! ' The General bowed, and replied, ' Caesar wrote his 
own commentaries; but, sir, I know the atrocities committed on both sides have 
been so great and many that they cannot be laithfully recorded, and had better 
be buried in oblivion.' " 



1780-1783. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 311 

fore, you will excuse. It will be an opening, I hope, to a familiar, happy 
correspondence between us. The state of religion with you, and of the 
college in Ilhode Island, I should be glad to understand. Be so good as 
to remember me aftectionately to all our Christian friends, the ministers in 
particular, Mr. Backus, etc., etc. 

"We have had many changes in our congregation by death ; but I hope 
religion in our denomination is not on the decline. Of good Mr. "VVallin's 
death you have no doubt heard. His place is not yet supplied. My 
health has of late been but indifferent, but through the goodness of God 
it is now better. 

I am just publishing a volume of discourses on domestic duties, one 
of which either Mr. Mullett, or Mr. Stillman — who, I take it, is still at 
Boston — will put into your hands. 

You will excuse my hurrying manner at present, and be assured that I 
am, very dear sir. 

Your affectionate friend and brother, 

Samuei/ Stennett. 

Manning's reply is one of unusual length, and seems to 
have been written with special care. It is of itself a his- 
tory of the tinaes during the American war: — 

Providence, Nov. 8th, 1783. 
Eeverend and dear Sir : 

Yonrs of May 14th was lately handed me by Thomas Mullett, Esq., 
whom I find to justify, and more, the excellent character you gave him ; 
though we have had but a small share of his agreeable company, owing 
to his attention to his widely-extended mercantile concerns. I most 
heartily rejoice to have a free communication again opened between Eng- 
land and America ; for tliis I have earnestly wished ever since its first 
inteiTuption. May heaven forbid its ever being again shut ! But I feel 
peculiarly happy in the honor you have done me in the renewal of our 
correspondence. I congratulate you on the i-estoration of your health, 
and hope you may be long continued, a rich blessing to the church of 
God. The flourishing state of our society with you is pleasing. 

During some of the first years of the war, God was pleased to display 
his power, in many parts of New England, in a glorious manner, and 
thousands embraced the Baptist principles ; but those halcyon days soon 



312 MAXNIXG AND Chap. VII. 

ended, since which has ensued an amazing apostasy. The delusion of 
Rellcy,! in his book called the Union, etc., has been propagated with the 
most astonishing success by John Murray. This doctrine of universal 
salvation has been licked into various forms by its numerous zealous ad- 
vocates ; and as it so exactly coincides Avith the carnal mind, has been 
sucked in by multitudes, among whom arc not a few professors of religion, 
•with great avidity. 

About the same time one Jemima Wilkinson,^ near this place, who had 
been educated amongst the Quakers, pretended that she had been dead, 
reanimated with a celestial spirit, and endowed with an extraordinary 
commission from heaven to preach the gospel. She sometimes called 
herself the Comforter ; and sometimes, when in an audience of great num- 
bers, pointing to herself, said that when Jesus Christ first appeared, he 
came in the flesh of a man, but that he was now come in the flesh of a 
woman. She has continued to traverse the country and publicly preach 
ever since, accompanied with a number of disciples who do her homage 
on their bended knees. Many have been carried away with her delusion, 
and believe her to be tlie Saviour. But to close the rear, a number of 
people, who came from the west of England about the commencement of 
the war, under the direction of an old woman whom her adherents call 
the Mother, the Elect Lady, etc., etc., pretend that the new dispensation has 
taken place, and that they are the only and true church. They pretend 
to absolve the sins of their disciples, and of course require particular con- 
fession to be made to them. Their particular Avorship consists in dancing, 
turning round on tlie heel, jumping, singing, and embracing each other, 
while they pretend to talk in unknown tongues, work miracles, etc., etc. 
They interdict all intercourse between the sexes, declaring the marriage 
contract void, and pi'ctcnding to a state of absolute perfection. Some 
carnal fruits, liowever, have inadvertently resulted from their chaste em- 
braces. And — Avould vou believe it ? — vast numbers of those who once 



1 " Doctiiiie of uuion belweeii Christ aud his Church. By James Eelloy." 
8vo. Londoii, 1731. 

" Jemima Wilkinson was born in Cumberland, R. I., about the year 1753. In 
1789 slic and her followers removed to Yates county, New York, where they 
founded a colony. She exacted from her adherents the most complete submis- 
sion and the most menial services. After her death, which took place in July, 
18in, the colony was broken up. A narrative of her life and character, by David 
Hudson, was ])ublisli('d at (ieneva, N. Y., in 1821, making a duodecimo volume 
of two liundred aud twenty-eight pages. 



1780-1783. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 313 

api^eared serious, well disposed-persons, have followed their pernicious 
ways. They are not to be reasoned -with ; alleging that they know they 
are right, and they will rave like madmen when opposed, calling this 
the effect of the Spirit of God. While these delusions on the one hand 
attack the truth of the gospel, growing infidelity on the other lends all its 
aid totally to subvert and destroy it, whilst the professed friends of it 
seem too generally overwhelmed and in a deep sleep. This, you say, is 
a dismal picture, but not more so than true. Yet there arc those who 
stand fast in the truth, and some late revivals encourage us to hope for 
better days. One thing, however, is favorable, — a spirit of toleration 
more universally prevails throughout New England, and the doctrines of 
religious as well as civil liberty arc better understood by the people at 
large, against any infractions of which they are determined to guard. 

It was a glorious time of revival in our church when the war first 
commenced, but when the town became a gamson, on account of the vi- 
cinity of the royal army on Rhode Island, the apprehensions of an attack, 
and the daily alarms to which we were subjected, induced numbers of fam- 
ilies to retire into the more interior parts of the country, not only for safety 
but subsistence. This scattered our church and congregation abroad, which 
has never been collected since, near fifty of our members not having yet 
returned. These things, with the disincHnation of many to attend public 
worship from the example of the army, have greatly reduced us. It has 
been a season of heavy trials Avitli great numbers of our churches, several 
of which have been almost totally dispersed. After all, when I view the 
last eight years, and reflect on the amazing anxiety and distress through 
which we have waded, and the astonishing goodness of God in preserving 
so many of us to see the return of peace, I am lost in wonder ; especially 
when I consider the ingratitude of our hearts towards our glorious Bene- 
factor. Thousands and thousands of families, once living in affluence, 
have, by the war, been reduced to beggary. Sometimes famine, and 
several times pestilence, as well as the sword, threatened to combine for 
our destruction. But language fails in communicating my ideas. I 
heartily wish you may never know by experience what it is to live in the 
midst of war. 

In the fore part of December, 1776, the royal army landed on Rhode 
Island, and took possession of the same. This brought their camp in 
plain view from the college Avith the naked eye ; upon which the country 
flew to arms and marched for Providence. Tiiere, unprovided with bar- 
racks, they marched into the college and dispersed the students, about 
27 



314 MANNING AND Chap. VII. 

forty in number. After this the college continued to be occupied for a 
barrack and a hospital alternately until June, 1782, when it was left in 
a most ruinous situation. The corporation advanced out of their own 
pockets near one thousand dollars for the most necessary repairs, and or- 
dered the course of education to recommence ; but under these circumstan- 
ces the number of students was small, as the former number had mostly 
completed their education at other colleges, or turned their attention to 
other objects. Last September, five young gentlemen, who had studied 
with me in private, were admitted to the honors of the college at a public 
Commencement. Their performances met such a universal approbation 
of a numerous audience, as inspired the corporation with fresh zeal to 
jaromote the institution. IMi*. John Brown, the treasurer of the college, 
offered to give a sum equal to what all the other members would sub- 
scribe, towards procuring an addition to our little library, and a philosoph- 
ical apparatus. By this means we obtained subscriptions for near £700 
lawful money, six shillings to the dollar, and the catalogues are bein^- 
made out. This we propose to follow with an application to Europe, as 
well as throughout America, for further benefactions. Wc have nomina- 
ted persons to this service, but we fear few if any of them will engage in 
the work, on account of the difficulty of leaving home, and the fears of 
not meeting a cordial reception in Great Britain. But I rejoice to find, 
from late accounts, that our friends remain friends to the college, and 
wish to know the state of it. This encourages us to solicit every assist- 
ance they can give, all of which we greatly need. I have the satisfaction 
to find that it has, under all its disadvantages, been instrumental in greatly 
promoting Baptist principles, and the spread of civil and religious liberty 
throughout New England. Our number of students is twelve, and more 
are expected soon ; but the great objections which operate against us are 
the want of an apparatus and library, and the want of professors. Of 
these advantages the old colleges amongst us can boast. Our library 
consists of about five hundred volumes, most of which are both very an- 
cient and very useless, as well as very ragged and unsightly.^ Our 
prospects to remedy this, in America, are at present very un]>romisiiig. 
Last fall the state of the college was laid before the Associations in New 



1 The friends of the college will observe the contrast between these five hun- 
dred "very ancient, very useless, and very ragged and unsightly volumes," and 
the noble library of the present day, withils thir(y-livc thousand standard books 
of approved editions, in choice and substantial bindings. 



1780-1783. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 315 

England and Philadelphia, which strongly recommended to all the 
churches to make collections for endowing it; the same has been done 
this year, — from all which not £20 sterling has been raised, such is the 
scarcity of money, the burden of taxes, and the reduced state of the coun- 
try. The society at large never before appeared so disposed to assist if 
it were but in their power ; but, generally speaking, the Baptists here are 
the poor of this world. 

Several pious youth, who promise fair for the ministry, having picked 
up some grammar learning, have applied to me to know whether any way 
can open for their assistance in getting an education. This has led me to 
think of a plan to assist such, and I have sketched out the following : 
That the Rev. Messrs. Samuel Stillman, Gardner Thurston, Isaac Backus, 
John Gano, Hezekiah Smith, with the President, be a standing commit- 
tee of the corporation, and in case of the demise of any of them their num- 
ber to be filled up from time to time by themselves, who, or the major 
part of them, shall examine and approve of such as shall be candidates to 
receive the assistance which may be proffered to worthy characters in that 
way, and to say in what proportions it shall be dealt out to them. It will 
be easy to procure a vote of the corporation to invest this committee with 
all necessary powers to discliarge this trust ; and I have fixed upon men 
whose doctrinal and practical prhiciples, as well as their character in this 
country, will entitle them to the highest confidence of benefactors to this 
fund. I was long since convinced that a plan of this kind would be vastly 
serviceable, and proposed it to some of my friends, Avhose only objection 
against it was its interference with endowing the college, which was an 
object of the greatest importance ; but I am of opinion that many would 
be induced to give for tliis purpose who would not on any other consid- 
eration. Should a donation be offered, and these persons be mentioned 
for the trust, in this way I have suggested, by some gentleman out of the 
corporation, I am convinced that it would immediately take, and that 
something considerable could soon be raised, which would be of standing 
benefit to our churches, and more widely disseminate the knowledge of 
truth.i Such has been the feeling, througli New England, in favor of 

1 The system of scholarships, inaugurated by President Sears, is based upon 
the same general principles which Manning liere develops; with this diHercnce, 
however, — that the scholarships are not of necessity Baptist in their character, or 
confined exclusively to students who have or who may have in view the Chris- 
tian ministry. These points are left for the respective founders of scholarships 
to determine. The majority of them, it may however be added, serve in carry- 



316 MANNING AND Chap. VII, 

a college education, that our pious illiterate ministers are greatly circum- 
scribed in their sphere of usefulness, of which many of them are sufficiently 
sensible, and heartily wish their successors may be enabled to obviate this 
objection. A great and effectual door is opened for the labors of Baptist 
ministers throughout our vast, extended frontiers, and many new churches 
have been lately constituted in that howling wilderness ; and indeed the 
labors of our society seem there generally preferred. 

I fear I have already trespassed uj)on your patience ; but you wished for 
various information ; and jou must consider this letter contains the sub- 
stance of a ten years' correspondence. I shall be bajipy to have your 
assistance and patronage of the college, and your opinions on the subjects 
proposed by the first op])ortunity. I had forgot to m'ention that, amidst 
the wreck of public credit, we have been so fortunate as to preserve, un- 
diminished, our little fund, though as yet, from the exhausted state of the 
treasury, Avhich has operated greatly to my personal disadvantage, we 



ing into effect precisely these views of President Manning. At the meeting of 
the Warren Association held in the year 1791, the Kev. Dr. Stillman presented 
a plan, Avhich, he stated, he had received from a friend, for establishing a char- 
itable fund, " for the purpose of assisting such young men of the Baptist denom- 
ination as may appear to be suitably qualified for the ministry, with n collegiate 
education." Who this friend was we cannot positively state, but we have no 
doubt whatever in regard to the source whence the plan itself originated. After 
a second reading it was nnanimously adopted by the Association, and a board of 
trustees, consisting of twelve, was chosen. This board was styled, " Trustees 
of the Baptist Education Fund." It was required that " so many of the Baptist 
Fellows of Ithode Island College who are members of churches shall be trustees 
of this fund,"' the remaining number to be chosen by ballot from and by the 
Warren Association. Of the college Fellows on the board, were Dr. Stillman 
of Boston, Dr. Smith of Haverhill, Kev. William AVilliams of Wrentham, Dr. 
Maxcy, I'resident of the College, and Robert Kogeis, Esq., of Newport. Those 
elected by the Association, were Dr. lUickus of Middlcborough, Dr. Baldwin 
of Boston, Kev. Joseph (J rafton of Nowlon, Kev. Noah Alden of Bellingham, 
Rev. Thomas Green of Cambridge, Ivcv. Citorge Kobinson of Bridgewater, and 
Rev. Isaiah I'arker of Harvard. 

In February, 1794, the society thus coninienced was duly incorporali'd by the 
Legislature of Massachusetts. In 1810 a separate organization was fornu'd, which, 
in 1823, was incorporated under the name of "The Baptist Education Society of 
the AVarren Association." At this time the funds, now amounting to $3000, were 
equally divided between this society and the Boston Association, which had 
been formed in the year 1811. Hence the origin and present funds of the society 
now known as the Rhode Island Baptist Education Society. 



1780-1783. BROWN UNIVERSITY. ol7 

have not been able to command any interest. I have the assistance of a 
tutor, and a grammar master keeps school in the college edifice. 

I cannot say in what light you view the American Revolution, but to 
serious people here it appears to be of God ; and if the counsels of Great 
Britain are conducted witli wisdom and moderation, it will in the issue be 
of no disadvantage to her in a national view. In a religious view I am 
certain it should not operate to produce any discord among the subjects 
of that Prince whose kingdom is not of this world. As far as my ac- 
quaintance extends, I am convinced that, on our part, the former attach- 
ment still continues ; and I am sure I have as little reason to doubt it on 
yours. 

Mr. MuUett was kind enough to put into my hands your volume on do- 
mestic duties, and I heartily thank you for the pleasure which the peru- 
sal of it gave me. I wish there were more of them in this country. They 
are greatly needed, and I think would sell. Before the war, for supply- 
ing the college and ray friends, I kept a small assortment of books, which 
I yearly imported from London. I still mean to do the same, and have 
thought of getting a number of our Baptist authors for the supply of our 
society in different parts of the country. I think there has not been suffi- 
cient attention paid to our own writings by our own people. Should you 
tliink proper to send any of your works for that purpose, on tlie same 
terms which booksellers with jou. have them, I shall exert myself to sell 
them, and directly remit you the money. I have mentioned my letter to 
you to Dr. Llewelyn, to whom, if you please, you may show it, and also 
to Mr. Ryland, and any other friend who may, in your opinion, be dis- 
posed to serve the college, or wish for the information which it contains. 
By eveiy opportunity I shall be happy to receive letters from Dr. Stcnnctt. 
With sentiments of esteem, I am, dear sir, 

Your brother in Christ, 

James Maothtto. 

The distinguished scholar to whom the following let- 
ter is addressed died on the 7th of August, three months 
previous to its date. What he would have done for the 
college had he lived, cannot of course be determined. It 
is certain that his feelings towards the institution were 
friendly. In the original subscription book of Morgan Ed- 
wards, his name appears as the largest subscriber on the 
27* 



318 MANNING -AND Chap. YII. 

list. Among the duplicate books presented to the library 
by the Bristol Education Society, we notice a fine uncut 
copy of the "Biographia Britannica," in seven vohimes 
folio, a gift from Llewelyn, who bequeathed his library to 
that society. It contains his book-mark, and states the 
time of his death. 

TO THOilAS LLEWELYX, LL.D., LONDOX. 

Providence, Nov. 8, 1783. 

Sir : — By Thomas Mullctt, Esq., for whose agreeable acquaintance 
I am indebted to an introductory line from Dr. Stennctt, I had the pleas- 
ure of hearing that you are yet alive, and, though in a declining state of 
health, are still protracting your usefulness in the cause of the Redeemer 
and the best interests of mankind. Your known zeal in promoting the 
Baptist society for a series of years, your ability to serve it, and the de- 
sire you expressed, in his hearing, of knowing the state of the college at 
Providence, have encouraged me to address you on this subject, at once 
to give that information and to solicit your patronage of an institution 
which has already, in the minds of unliiased judges, greatly disseminated 
the knowledge of civil and religious liberty tlirough this country, and 
added respectability to the Baptist profession. Bleeding with the wounds 
of war, it now solicits the relief which the benevolent and opulent alone 
can afford. 

From its first establishment until tlic commencement of the late unnat- 
ural war, it gradually increased in the number of students, which at that 
time was about forty. It then began to attract the attention of the public, 
and bid fair to have been greatly augmented in numbers, as many were 
then preparing with a design to complete their education here. This town 
becoming a frontier, in the year 1776, the troops took possession of the 
edifice, to which purpose it continued to be appropriated until June, 1782. 
Great waste and destruction, you will naturally conclude, were made upon 
it by men whose profession has destruction for its object. To repair the 
edifice the corporation advanced money out of their own pockets, as also 
to fit up some rooms for the accommodation of students who are likely to 
enter soon. The number of these is now twelve, and more are soon ex- 
pected. In short, we want nothing but a proper endowment to enable us 
to furnish a suitable iil)raiy and apparatus, and properly ,sn)>port able 



1780-1783. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 319 

instructors, to render the college very respectable ; the grand objection 
against it is the want of these things, of which they can boast at other col- 
leges. Those inimical to our profession arc exceeding vigilant to prevent 
its growth, from an idea of its importance to the Baptist cause. Hitherto 
a very great part of our society in this country have been by no means 
friendly to it ; but many have altered their opinion, and would assist if 
they could ; but, reduced by the war and the weight of taxes, at present 
they can only wish it Avell. Cambridge college was so fortunate as to at- 
tract the attention of a Hollis, New Haven of a Yale, and New Hamp- 
shire of a Dartmouth, who Iiave given their names to these seats of learn- 
ing. We should think ourselves no less hapjDy in the patronage of a 
Llewelyn. Lleweli/n College appears well when written, and sounds no less 
agreeably when spoken. Nor do I know a name which it would please 
me better to hear extolled on our public anniversaries as the founder of 
the institution. The charter, one of wliich I beg leave to present to you, 
empowers the corporation to give the college a name in honor of its most 
distinguished benefactor, which they are resolved to do. I knoAV your 
philanthropy and principles of liberty would not suffer you to object that 
wc arc now become independent of the British empire. You too well 
know that necessity, dire necessity impelled to this measure a people 
whose feelings revolted at the idea upon any other ground. Besides, sub- 
jects of the Prince of peace cannot approve of strong local attachments. It 
is the ardent wish of the human mind to establish a permanent fame. As 
this appears to be a passion natural to man, so it is doubtful wliether he 
feels a stronger, or one that ceases to influence him later. And what can 
more effectually gratify this predominant affection, than the grateful 
recollection of the latest posterity that we have laid foundations for 
improving the human intellect, disseminating useful knowledge, and prop- 
agating the gospel of peace over almost half the globe ? If we con- 
sider the rapid progress of religion, letters, government, and arts in this 
new world, where on earth can a theatre be erected, from which the hu- 
man character can be exhibited to better advantage (in largely contribut- 
ing to the progress of religion, society, and manners) than in America? 
But you, sir, need only consider that patronizing this college will directly 
contribute to the propagation of the gospel of Christ in its simplicity to 
bestow upon it your friendship. Of the prospects of this I have given 
some hints to Dr. Stennett, in a letter of this date, to which I refer you, 
as I have desired him to communicate the contents of it to his friends, 
and those of the college, particularly requesting liim to show it to Dr. 



^'^(f MANNING AND Chap. VII. 

Llewelyn. Therein I have mentioned the state of onr libraiy, apparatus, 
fund, etc. The whole interest of the latter does not amount to more, if 
so much as £60 sterling per annum. We propose to forward our cata- 
logue as soon as it is ready, and iuAitc our friends to lend us their assist- 
ance in purchasing the books. Should 3'our views be different from mine 
in reference to the premises, I beg your forgiveness for troubling you on this 
subject through my zeal for tlic college ; but should you think favorably 
of the proposal, you will do a singular favor to a grateful corporation, the 
Baptist society in America, and I doubt not to remote posterity, but to 
none more than to him who, with every sentiment of esteem, has the 
honor to subscribe himself, sir, 

Your friend and servant in the gospel of Christ, 
James Manning. 

The TVarren Association, at its meeting tbis year, to 
which Manning in his correspondence aUudes, prepared 
an address to their " friends and countrymen," which 
presents a fuitlifid picture of tlie times at the close of 
the war, and exhibits in a i)leasing Hght the views and 
prospects of the Baptist denomination. We cannot resist 
the temptation to introduce here the closing paragraphs. 
They have special reference to the college, and show how 
intimate, formerly, were the relations which it sustained to 
the churches : — 

" Permit us to add a word concerning education, and we shall have 
done. In Genesis xvii. God made a covenant Avith Abraham, which con- 
stituted a church in his household, who had a large grant of choice lands 
that in due time they were to take possession of by destroying the heathen 
inhabitants ; and as long as that state continued, they were to make a 
visible difference in commerce and government, as well as worship, be- 
tween the circumcised and all other people in the world. In the same 
church the priests were to have the whole government in worship, and 
were also to declare what the sentence of the law was in capital cases ; 
and the judges were to carry the same into execution (Deut. xvii. 8-12). 
Wlicn Christ came he fulHUcd the law, and abolished those distinctions 
among men; and coustiLuled hi.s cliurch uj»om a better covenant — cslab- 



1780-1783. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 321 

lishecl upon better promises. His word calls said covenant with Abraham 
the covenant of circumcision (Acts vii. 8), but in after ages deceitful 
men took away that name, and called it the covenant of grace ; into which 
they essayed to bring children before they believed, or could choose for 
themselves. And all colleges and superior places of learning were en- 
tirely under the command of such men for many centuries ; by which 
means, natural affection, the force of education, temporal interest, and 
self-righteousness, all conspired together to bind people in that way ; 
wherein the orthodox have claimed a right to treat all others as others 
have not a right to treat them. But a college is now erected at Provi- 
dence upon a plan of equal liberty, where education is to be had without 
any sectarian or party tests. Other colleges have been erected and mucli 
of their expense borne by governments ; but this has been done entirely 
by personal generosity ; and some men of influence have tried to crush 
it; therefore it calls loudly, to all lovers of knowledge and liberty, to 
contribute their mite towards its necessary support." 



CHAPTEE VIII. 

1784-1785. 



Letter to Manning from the Rev. Dr. Eippon, of London — Most of the Baptist 
ministers in England on the side of America in the war — Manning's reply to 
Ilippon — Apostasy of Eev. Elhanan Winchester — Sketch of Hon. Asher 
Eobbius — Baptists compelled to contribute to the support of Tedobaptist 
worship in Massachusetts and Connecticut — Resolution of the Warren Asso- 
ciation in reference thereto — Letter to Rev. Thomas Ustick on the subject 
— Sketch of Eev. Elhanan Winchester — llis troubles with the Baptist 
church in Philadelphia — Letter to Rev. Dr. Smith — William Wilkinson and 
the College Grammar School — Extract from the Providence Gazette respect- 
ing the transfer of the school from the College to the brick schoolhouse — 
Letter to Eev. Dr. Caleb Evans, of Bristol, England — Condition of the Col- 
lege — Efforts to add to its funds and to increase its library — Evans's reply 
to Manning — Illustration of Manning's numerous and perplexing cares — 
Letter from Eev. A. Booth— Manning's reply — Letter to Eev. John Ey- 
land, Jr. — Letter to Rev. Dr. Rippon, introducing Dr. Solomon Drownc, of 
Providence — Sketch of Dr. Drowne — Letter to Hon. David Howell, in 
Congress — Letter to Rev. Thomas Ustick — Degree of Doctor in Divinity con- 
ferred on Manning by the University of Pennsylvania — Second letter to 
Hon. David Howell — Letter to Thomas Mackancss, Esq., of London — Man- 
ning's plan to establish a library for the Baptist Association in Kentucky — 
Letter to Rev. Dr. Evans — Manning's philanthropic efforts to enlighten the 
illiterate Baptist ministers of Kentucky and Virginia — Letter to Manning 
from Hon. Granville Sharp, of London — Manning's reply- Ecclesiastical 
matters pertaining to the Episcopal Church — Letter to Rev. Dr. Rippon — 
Biographical sketch of Rev. Stephen Gano— Character of Hon. Stephen 
Hopkins, the first Chancellor of the College — Letter from Rev. Dr. Evans 
announcing a donation of books to the College Library from the Bristol Edu- 
cation Society — Character of the donation and of the aforesaid Society — 
Letter to Hon. David Howell, in behalf of the Corporation, urging him to use 
his influence with the members of Congress in favor of a petition for indem- 
nity for injuries which the college building sustained during the war — Death 
of Hon. Jo.seph Brown — Correspondence between Manning and John Gill, 
of London, respecting the publications of Rev. Dr. John Gill — List of Dr. 
Gill's publisluid works — Pleasant bibliographical " morcoau " respecting the 
first volume of Backus's Ecclesiastical History. 



1784-1785. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 323 

The following letter is from the Rev. Dr. John Rippon, 
of London, successor of the Rev. Dr. Gill. The remarka- 
ble statement which he makes, that all the Baptist ministers 
in London but two, and most of the Baptist clergy in the 
country, were on the side of the Americans in the " late 
dispute," as he mildly terms the war, is as gratifying to us 
of the present day as it doubtless was to Manning and 
his friends. The reader of the correspondence now be- 
gun will readily perceive that Dr. Rippon, from his char- 
acter and position, was well qualified to judge of the 
views and feelings of his brethren in matters of public 
moment. 

Grange Road, Southwark, May 1, 1784. 
Reverend and dear Sir : 

I have long wished for an opportunity of introducing myself to you, 
and to several other brethren on your side of the Atlantic. And as God 
in his wisdom has now put an end to the late bloody and unrighteous 
war, and o]>ened a free communication between this country and America, 
I take the liberty, by the hands of your neighbor Mr. Chase (who speaks 
in the highest terms of you, Messrs. Stillman Gano, etc.), of soliciting 
such a Christian correspondence as your wisdom may suggest, and 3'our 
large connections and many avocations may permit. 

To describe myself is a work less proper than what I wish to be em- 
ployed in ; but as it is probable my name has never reached your ears, it 
may not be altogether improper to hint that I was born at Tiverton, in 
Devonshire, about forty miles from Plymouth, and about sixteen from 
Upottery, where my father is minister. I was called by grace, I trust, 
when about sixteen years of age, became a student at Bristol under the 
Rev. Messrs. Hugh and Caleb Evans when I was between seventeen and 
eighteen, and continued there between three and four years. After the 
death of Dr. Gill, I was invited thence to town as a probationer amongst 
his people, and with them have been comfortably settled as pastor for 
more than eleven years. The church now consists of about three huu- 
"dred members, many of whom are very lively, affectionate, and evangeli- 
cal. The declaration of their faith and practice, which they made at tlieir 
admission, is at the close of the three volumes of sermons and tracts ac- 



324 MANNING AND Chap. VIII. 

companying this, your acceptance of which will do mc an honor, if you 
consider them as a small token of the great affection I bear you as a 
faithful and honored servant of our illustrious Master. 

Wliatever scepticism attacks my mind, of this I am certain, that there 
are brethren in your country " whom not having seen I love." This has 
frequently turned to me for a testimony of my having passed from death 
unto life. Nor did I least of all experience this in the year 1780, when 
Mr. Wallin (who left earth for heaven in the beginning of the year 1783) 
received a letter from Boston containing an account of a great revival 
through New England, and in which it was said Mr. Winchester was very 
instrumental. I sent this account to Mr. Evans, of Bristol, and he printed 
an extract from it in the follov/ing Western Association letter. It afforded 
a joy amongst many churches better felt than described. Some of us 
thought with pleasure on Isa. lix. 19. But, alas ! the next account we 
hear is that this useful man has wofuUy changed his sentiments. Lord, 
what is man ! A sermon of Mr. Wallin's, called the " Outcasts Com- 
forted," on Isa. Ixvi. 5, has been reprinted here, with an appendix said 
to l)e written by one Clarke, a mystic. It contains observations on the 
seventh trumpet, and a dissertation on the altar of brass called Ariel, etc. 
My lieart has been grieved for the good man, and I have wept in secret 
places on his account. Is it true that Mr. Morgan Edwards, to whom I 
intend writing soon, has printed a book in vindication of him'? 

I believe all our Baptist ministers in tOAvn, except two, and most of our 
brethren in the country, Avcre on the side of the Americans in the lato 
dispute. But sorry, very sorry were we to hear that the college was a 
hospital, and the meeting-houses were forsaken and occupied for civil or 
martial purposes. We wept when the thirsty plains drank the blood of 
your departed heroes, and the shout of a king Avas amongst us when 
your well-fought battles were crowned with victory. And to this hour 
we believe that the independence of America will for a while secure the 
liberty of this country ; but that if the continent had been reduced, Britain 
would not long have been free. 

The last Warren Association letter that I have seen is dated 1779. It 
came with Mr. Backus's History, Since then many important things 
must have happened, and it may be there is much good news to be con- 
veyed to us respecting our sister churches in the wilderness. Glad should 
I be to hear of the success of the gospel and of the prosperity of the 
college. When shall the ])ricsts of Zion bo clothed with salvation, and 
her saints shout aloud f«^r juy '. O Lord, lot " thy kingdom conio," lot it 



17ai-1785. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 325 

spread through all the world, and particularly let it come in my heart, 
and in the heart of thy honored servant for whom these lines are de- 
signed. 

If I am not mistaken, the Baptist interest in this country is more 
flourishing than the Presbyterian or Independent. In most of our churches 
there is a cordial attachment to the truth as it is in Jesus, attended with a 
greater liberality towards others who differ from us than was formerly 
expressed. May a Christian contention for the truth and a general 
Catholicism forever walk hand in hand, that unconverted men may have 
reason again to say, " See how these Christians love ! " 

This afternoon I have been employed in packing books as follows : 
Gill's Sermons and Tracts, 3 vols., blue boards, for yourself; do., in 
sheets, for that much respected man, Mr. Stillman, of Boston ; a dozen 
of Watts's Hymns and Psalms, and half a dozen Bibles and as many 
Testaments, to be disposed of as you think best. Gill should have been 
bound neatly ; but as Mr. Chase is likely to sail Monday morning, it 
cannot be done. Will you do me the favor of making this apology to Mr. 
Stillman if I have not time to write him, as I fear I shall not, for it is 
Saturday evening, nine o'clock, now, and itAvas past eight before I began 
this hasty scrawl. 

With the above I have sent three prints, — one of the Rev. Dr. Gill, an- 
other of the late Rev. Hugh Evans, my much esteemed tutor, and another 
of myself. I have not time to get them glazed and packed. The first 
two deserve a respectful place in the college, and the last courts no situ- 
ation but a place of solitude under your hospitable roof. I shall be much 
obliged to you to circulate the proposals which relate to Saurin and Claude, 
and to notice the advertisement of Gill's books which I have sent. If 
any of your friends want any of them, I can procure them at bookseller's 
price, considerably cheaper than the printed list. It will rejoice me to be 
of any service to them, and more especially if they are poor ministers. I 
have not time to read this over now, as a person has been waiting for it 
while I write. Excuse my haste. Remember me respectfully, if you 
please, to Mr. Howell, your assistant. Pray for me, write me the first op- 
portunity, and be assured I think it a great felicity to have any good 
reason to subscribe myself. 

Your affectionate brother and, servant, 

John Rippon. 

P. S. — I am this week thirty-three years of age. 
28 



326 MANNING AND Chap. VIII. 

To this letter Manning replies : — 

Pkovidence, Aug. 3, 1784. 
Reverend and dear Sir : 

I have now before me your most acceptable favor of May 1, for which 
I return you many thanks, as well as for the package and its agreeable 
contents. I felicitated myself on a large and free correspondence with 
Christian friends in England on the return of peace, and accordingly 
wrote to Mr. "Wallin, from New York, at the first dawn of it, but soon after 
received information that he had rested from his labors. By the first ves- 
sel from the State this was followed by letters to Drs. Stennett and Lle- 
welyn and Mr. Ryland ; but these, I conjecture from your letter, never 
reached them, since they contained such information as I judged would 
be wished for by our brethren on your side of the water, and such as in 
your letter you request. Nothing could be more agreeable than the cor- 
respondence you propose, which I shall endeavor to keep up with the 
greatest punctuality. Your letter did not give me the first information of 
your name, etc., as Mr. Wallin had favored me with the sermon and 
charge delivered at your settlement. But the interruption of all inter- 
course by means of the war, left me in a great measure ignorant of the 
state of our churches and ministers in England, until Dr. Stcnnett's letter, 
last fall, by Mr. Mullett, and a short acquahituncc with Capt. Thomas 
Mesnard last May in New York, who gave me such a pleasing idea of 
Mr. Rippon, that I requested him to present my Christian salutation, and 
inform him that a letter Avould be highly pleasing to your unknown friend. 

Your letter, it appears, was then written in consequence of Mr. Chase's 
recommendation, to whom I am obliged for his favorable opinion. As 
soon as the package of books and the prints came safe to hand, Mr. Still- 
man's were sent forward, together with liis letter, and I shall distribute 
the Bibles, Testaments, Psalms and Hymns as I think will be most ser- 
viceable to the poor. The proposals for Dr. Gill's, Saurin's, and Claude's 
works I have circulated ; but the impoverished state of the country, and 
the disinclination to reading books on religious subjects, presage but a 
small sale at present. Some, however, will, I expect, be wanted, for 
which I shall expect your kindly i)roffered services. I most heartily re- 
joice at your success in the ministry, and the happy state of the church of 
which you arc jiastoi-. May the Lord continue to strengthen you for his 
service, and honor j'ou with many more seals of your ministry. You 
speak the language of my heart towards brethren in your country when 



1781-1785.. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 327 

you express your affectionate regard for us. I conceive this results from 
the very nature of the religion of Jesus. Often has this prompted me to 
plan a voyage to Europe ; but such have hitherto been, and most proba- 
, bly will continue to be, my embarrassments, that I shall be denied this 
privilege ; but I hope to meet the whole family at home, and forever enjoy 
their improving society above when our labors on earth are finished. The 
prints of Dr. Gill and Rev. Hugh Evans shall have a respectful place in 
the college, and as I daresay Mr. Rippon loves good company, he will 
excuse me for placing his there also. Not that I am unwilling to furnish 
it, and its agreeable original, with the best accomodations my house can 
afford, for this I should esteem a peculiar favor ; but as I promise myself 
your future patronage of the college, I know of no place so suitable as 
that. 

The apostasy of Mr. Winchester has been for a lamentation amongst 
us. Self-exaltation was the rock on which he split. Though he had 
from the first been remarkable for instability of character, he inflicted a 
grievous wound on the cause, especially in Philadelphia ; but I think he is 
now at the end of his tether. His interest is declining, which will most 
probably prove a deadly wound. I saw him last May, and from his ap- 
pearance think he has nearly run his race. His state of health will not 
admit of his preaching, and by a letter last week from the Rev. Thomas 
Ustick, who now supplies the pulpit in Philadelphia, I learn that Win- 
chester and his friends have lost the case in their suit for the meeting-house 
and the property of the church. It really appeared that God owned his 
labors in the revival in New England. Perhaps for attempting to take 
the glory to himself, He has laid him aside as an improper instrument for 
his work, who justly challenges the whole of it as his own. From common 
fame, and from what I myself saw, I really think this to be the case. 

Ml*. Morgan Edwards has not printed in vindication of his principles, 
but he read me a manuscript more than a year since on that subject, which 
he did not own, though charged then with being the author. He did not 
deny it ; whereby he was entreated not to add the printing of this to tlie 
long list of imprudent things which had already so greatly grieved his 
friends and so injured his reputation. This plainness did not please him, 
but I thought the use of it was duty. 

Enclosed I send you the minutes of the Eastern Association since the 
year 1779 ; and as I flatter myself that my letters must have reached Dr. 
Stennett, etc., before this, I refer you to the information which they con- 
tain, observing in general that at the commencement of the war the glo- 



328 M A X X I N G A N D Ciiap. VIII. 

rious revival in which the college and the town of Providence, as well as 
many places adjacent, had so largely shared (during the continuance of 
which, in the course of a year, I baptized more than a hundred pei'sons), 
began to decline j and except the visitation you refer to in your letter, the 
state of religion, saving in the frontier parts, has been on the decline until 
about the close of the war, since which public worship is better attended, 
and many souls have of late been hopefully converted. On a visit to 
New York and the Jerseys, the last spring, I found the people anxious for 
the word, and hopeful appearances in almost every place where I was 
called to preach. By a letter the last week I find the work increases, es- 
pecially under the ministry of Mr. Wilson, a young minister i-esident at 
Bordentown in West Jersey, and my Brother Gano in New York. As 
Mr. Backus is here, I prevailed on him to give a sketch of the reformation 
between two and three hundred miles east of us, of which he has had some 
direct and late accounts. This, for your satisfaction, I also enclose. 
Lord's Day sennight I conversed with a person from there, who professed 
to be a subject of the work. He gave a most remarkable account of the 
display of God's power and grace amongst them. In general our cluirches 
appear to stand steadfast in the doctrines of grace ; and indeed the Bap- 
tist churches are almost left alone in defending them against Arminians 
and Universalists, as our brethren of other denominations who are sound 
appear much discouraged. I believe I may say with truth, that the Bap- 
tist society in America increases more rapidly than any other religious 
denomination ; but in general we are the poor of the world. God grant 
that we may be rich in faith. 

I rejoice to hear that our Baptist brethren in England sympathized with 
us in our deep aflliction. Our blood indeed was Avantonly shed, — of this 
I have been a deeply interested spectator, — but I trust God meant it for 
good. I think I can say that I never in one instance doubted the justice 
of our cause, and I desire to bless God that I never thirsted for the blood 
of those who wei-e shedding ours. But I wish to banish from my mind 
those scenes of horror. 

Brotherly kindness prevails more amongst the several denominations 
throughout New England than heretofore, and of course the i)rcjudices 
against the Baptists are greatly abated. Nothing is more common than 
the most cordial invitations into the pulpits of the Pcdobaptists when I 
travel through the country. I rejoice to hear that the same spirit prevails 
with you. Union in Christ, in my o])inion, should lead his disciples to 
the strongest expressions of love towards one another. 



1784-1785 BROWN UNIVERSITY. 329 

The college edifice suffered greatly by the troops, who had it in posses- 
sion nearly six years. To repair tliese damages has been a difficult task, 
while denied compensation from the public, and destitute of funds for 
that purpose. The members of the corporation have repeatedly submit- 
ted to make such partial repairs as were absolutely necessary to its pres- 
ervation. With all these difficulties to combat, it begins, however, again 
to revive. It now consists of twenty-two members, and we expect an ad- 
dition of several more this fall. Mr. Howell, my former colleague, has 
been for several years in the civil departments, and is now in the Conti- 
nental Congress, where he has been ujjwards of two years. Mr. Asher 
Robbins,* an alumnus of Yale College, in Connecticut, is now a tutor. 

Sept. 16. As no opportunity presented to forward the above, I beg 
leave to add that at the anniversary meeting of the corporation of the 1 st 
instant, the Faculty testified their regard for Mr. Rippon by conferring 
on him the degree of Master in the Arts. I should have herewith sent the 
diploma, but could not get it written in time. Hope by the next oppor- 
tunity to have it ready. Last week I attended the Association at Mr. 
Hunt's place in Middleborough. We had a most harmonious meeting ; 
and though the addition to our churches is not so great as in. some former 



i Hon. Asher Robbins, LL.D. He was born iu Conuecticut, and was gradua- 
ted at Yale College in the year 1782. Soon after completing his collegiate course, 
he was elected a tutor under Manning, which office he held for eight years. 
While thus occupied in quickening the diligence of his pupils, and in imbuing 
their minds with a genuine relish for the varied forms of classical beauty, he 
sought every opportunity to cultivate his own taste for the classics, and indeed 
for every species of elegant learning. After resigning Lis tutorship, he studied 
law under the lion. William Cbanning, of Newport, at that time the Attorney 
General of Rhode Island. Here he established himself in the practice of the 
law, where he resided during the remainder of his life. From 1825 to 1839 he 
was an honored and useful member of the United States Senate. He seldom 
engaged in the debates of that body, but on no occasion, says Prof. Goddard, 
did he address the senate without leaving on the minds of all who heard liim a 
decided impression of his high intellectual powers and accomplishments, of his 
ability as a statesman, and his acquisitions as a scholar. He died at Newport, iu 
1845, having lived, " by reason of his strength," fourscore years and more. 

Mr. Robbins was the first librarian of Brown University, as we learn from a 
letter respecting its early history in which he thus writes : " At the reorganiza- 
tion of the college, in the autumn of 1782, 1 was appointed to the office of tutor, 
and took charge of the library as librarian. It was then kept in the east cham 
ber, on the second floor, of the central building." A good likeness of Mr. Rob- 
bins is among the collection of portraits in Rhode Island Hall. 
28* 



330 MANNING AND Chap. VIII. 

years past, yet there arc many promising appearances of a revival in 
them. There were present some ministering brethren from the eastern 
part of New Hampshire, and IMi*. Case, of whom Mr. Backus makes men- 
tion, as being signally blessed as an instrument in turning many to God 
in the northeastern parts of Massachusetts. They assured us that God 
was working wonders through a great extent of that newly-settled coun- 
try, that gospel laborers were much wanted there, and that in the re- 
vivals great numbers embraced the Baptist principles. The most sorrow- 
ful accounts we received were from several places in the Massacimsetts 
and Connecticut States, where Pedobaptists arc again taxing our people, 
and seizing their persons and property, to compel them to sujiport their 
worship. Poor men ! They grudge their neighbors that liberty which 
they themselves enjoy, and for which, by their sides, they have fought and 
bled. This, however, in the issue may operate favorably. The whole 
body of Baptists seem determined to maintain their rights, and support 
those who may be called to suffer. This you will see by a resolution^ 
entered into at the Association, the minutes of which I should have now 
sent had they been printed. Probably Mr. Stillman may obtain and en- 
close them before Capt. Scott sails. Last Lord's Day our churcli received 
in two persons* I had not been called on to administer baptism before in 
near two years. Others appear under serious impressions. !Mny the 
Lord graciously revive his work. I forgot to mention that the Hon. Jo- 
seph Brown, a member of the corporation, a philosophical genius, was at 
our last meeting chosen Professor of Experimental Philosophy in this 
college ; and Dr. Benjamin Waterhouse, M.D., of Leydcn, was chosen 
Professor of Natural History, — both of whom engaged to give lectiu-es in 

1 The folio wiug is an extract I'rom the miuutes of this meeting of the Warren 
Association, held at Middlcborough, Mass., Sept. 7, 8, 1784, of which meeting 
President Manning was moderator: — 

"Accounts were received from various parts of our country, that distress has 
lately been made upon a number of our brethren and friends for the snpport of 
away of worship which we conscientiously dissent from; which is not only a 
violation of the law of God, but also directly against the fundamental principles 
of the late revolution in America; — thcrcrore this Association are resolved to 
unite in the most prudent and vigorous measures for putting a stop to these 
oppressions, and to maintain the just rights of our brethren and friends; and 
for that end do make choice of the following committee of grievances, to act 
in this cause according to their best discretion ; and we will recommend it to our 
several societies to communicate their proportion of the necessary expense hereof. 
The committee chosen for this purpose are our beloved Elders Stillman, Skill- 
man, Smith of Haverhill, Uackus, and Blood." 



1784-1785. B^OWN UNIVERSITY. 331 

their respective branches, without any expense to the college while desti- 
tute of an endowment. 

I fear I have wearied your patience, and therefore, with every sentiment 
of esteem, rest, dear sir, 

Your unworthy brother and fellow-laborer in the gospel, 

James Manning. 

P. S. — The enclosed packet I beg you to forward to Mr. Evans, free 
of expense, if you can conveniently, besides a letter to him containing a 
catalogue of the books in the college library. He has encouraged us to 
hope for those duplicates which they have by a late donation, and of which 
we are destitute. 

President Manning's reply to a letter from the Rev. 
Thomas Ustick, to which reference is made in the forego- 
ing, gives more in detail the persecutions of the Baptists 
under the oppressive laws of Massachusetts and Connecti- 
cut : — 

TO THE EEV. THOMAS USTICK, PHILADELPHIA. 

Providence, Sept. 17, 1784. 
Reverend Sir : 

Yours of July 11th ult. came to hand ; but having no good opportunity 
of sending an answer, and being much engaged otherwise, I omitted an 
answer until now. I am glad your long suit has determined in favor of 
the church. I hope God will dispose you to make a proper improvement 
of so distinguished a favor, and the people be disposed to employ their 
property to his glory. I have communicated the contents of your letter, 
agreeably to your request. Last week I attended the Association at Elder 
Hinds's, Middleborough. Had an agreeable meeting, but find the Congre- 
gationalists in Cambridge, Brookfield, Woodstock in Connecticut, with 
some other places, have made distress on the Baptists this last summer. 
Some went to jail ; from others they took their stock, land, etc. This 
does not look much like liberty. The Association recommended the pay- 
ing not the least attention to their ecclesiastical laws, and resolved that 
they were determined to maintain their claims of equal liberty, etc., and 
would recommend to the churches to support the sufferers. I am sur- 
prised that they are not ashamed to hold up their heads, in this enlight- 
ened age, in such a shameful cause. But perhaps God means it for good. 



332 MANNING AND Chap. YIIL 

"We had several ministering brethren from New Hampshire and the 
northeastern parts of Massachusetts, Avho refreshed us much with good 
tidings from that quarter. Many have there been turned to the Lord, and 
the good work still goes on. The subjects of it generally adopt believ- 
er's baptism. There are great calls for gospel ministers in that quarter. 
I think the aspect of things is more favorable in our churches, public 
worship better attended, the ministry better supported, and some appear- 
ance of a revival of God's work. Even poor Providence seems to share 
a little. I baptized one young man last Lord's Day, and some more are 
under serious impressions. Mr. Ingalls preaches at Grafton | He told me 
the other day the people retained a great affection for you, and recently 
wished to hear from you. I think the college is in a growing state. I 
expect our number Avill exceed thirty at the close of vacation. At the 
last corporation meeting the Faculty confeired the degree of LL.D. on 
Governor Hopkins our chancellor, and of A.M. on Mr. John Kippon, 
Dr. Gill's successor. Mr. Joseph Brown was chosen Professor of Experi- 
mental Philosophy, and Dr. Benjamin Waterhouse, Professor of Natural 
History. They have both engaged to lecture without salary from the col- 
lege until there shall be proper endowments for those chairs. Miss Joey, 
daughter of Nicholas Brown, is in a decline. I believe the rest of your 
friends are well as usual. With sentiments of esteem and respect to Mrs. 

Ustick and friends, 

I am, etc., 

James M^vnning. 

The Rev. Elhanan Winchester, to whom reference is 
made in the preceding correspondence, had been a Bap- 
tist clergyman of great repute in New England. He was 
born in Brookline, Mass., on the 30th of September, 1751. 
At the age of nineteen he became pious, and united with 
the cliurcli in his native town. Soon afterwards he com- 
menced tlie public work of the ministry. Subsequently 
experiencing a change in some of his views of religion, he 
visited Canterbury, Ct., wliere he was baptized by Elder 
Ebenezer Lyon, and received as a member of the Baptist 
church. In the spring of 1771 he removed to Rehobotli, 
Mass., where he remained one year. He afterwards 



1784-1785. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 333 

preached in various parts of New England and South Car- 
olina. His extraordinary raemory, his eloquence, and ap- 
parent zeal, excited great interest, and multitudes flocked 
to hear hira. Unusual success attended his ministry, and 
his name became celebrated in all the churches. In the 
year 1781 he removed to Philadelphia, where he advocated 
the doctrine of universal restoration, and was excluded 
in consequence from the fellowship of the Baptist denom- 
ination.^ He preached for several years to his adherents 



1 An account of this affair may be found in a little pamphlet entitled " An Ad- 
dress from the Baptist Church in Philadelphia, to their Sister Churches of the 
same Denomination, throughout the Confederate States of North America. 
Drawn up by a Committee of the Church appointed for said purpose." 18mo. 
Philadelphia: Printed by Robert Aitken, 1781, pp. 16. A few extracts from this 
rare pamphlet may fitly appear in this connection. 

" In the beginning of October, 1780, Mr. Elhanan Winchester, a native of Mas- 
sachusetts Bay, New England, came as a messenger from the Warren Association 
to ours, which was then nigh at hand. Many of the members having, previous 
to this, repeatedly heard him preach, not the least susincion existed but that he 
continued an advocate for that faith which we look upon as the faith once de- 
livered to the saints. Accordingly, at a meeting for business the 9th of said 
month, it was agreed to use our best endeavors to prevail on him to stay, and 
preach for us a limited time. In two or three days after this, the Kev. Oliver 
Hart arrived in town from South Carolina; we were, therefore, from many 
considerations, prevented doing anything decisive, until the 23d, when, at an 
assembly both of the church and congregation, it was, by the majority then pres- 
ent, deemed most consistent with the resolution of the 9th (a deviation therefrom 
carrying with it an appearance of injustice) to give Mr. Winchester an invitation 
to tarry with us during the space of one year. Being waited upon, and made 
acquainted with the circumstances attending the choice, he answered, ' That he 
was sorry we were not entirely unanimous therein ; but, nevertheless, consented 
to supply our pulpit for six months, at least, and longer if everything should 
prove agreeable.' 

" Popular applause, the idol which too many worship, was soon discovered to 
be an object zealously sought for and courted by Mr. Winchester. To accom- 
plish this, persons were every week hastily admitted to baptism, upon the slight- 
est examination; though we really believe that among the number are several 
sincere Christians, who, during this season of trial, have not been ashamed 
openly to discountenance his errors. Various innovations, contrary to our es- 
tablished discipline, were introduced through his means. The church undertook 



334 MANNING AND Chap. VIII. 

in Philadelpliia, among whom bis biograi)ber incbides the 
celebrated Dr. Benjamin Rusb, and Dr. John Redman, 
first President of the College of Physicians in Philadel- 
phia. In 1787 he removed to London. He published many 
religious and controversial works, the most important of 
which are, Dialogues on Universal Restoration ; Lectures 
on the Prophecies, 2 vols. 8vo. ; Letters on the Divinity 
of Christ: Defence of Revelation ; Oration on the Discov- 



a reform. In some respects success attended us; in others, an obstinate adher- 
ence marked his character. 

" The principal foundation of the greatest uneasiness we shall now proceed to 
consider. Early in the winter it was whispered to a few, that Mr. Winchester, 
notwithstanding his artful endeavors to conceal the same in his public discours- 
es, held the doctrine of a final restoration of bad men and angels from hell ; that 
the whole of Adam's progen)-, yea, the devils themselves, at certain different pe- 
riods, would be delivered from their torment, and made completely happy ; in 
other words, that he peremptorily denied the endless duration or perpetuity of 
future punishment. The method taken by liim, at first, to propagate this wicked 
tenet, was by ' creeping into houses, and leading captive persons of weak capac- 
ities,' wherein he met with too much encouragement Alarmed at this authen- 
ticated report, he was at different times privately conversed with on the subject 
by several of the members. He did not presume to contradict it fully, and yet 
his confession was by no means satisfactory. Upon these occasions he would 
frequently intimate his intention of going away, provided the smallest division 
took place on his account; while at the same juncture, as opportunity served, he 
failed not to use arguments in order to gain proselytes." 

The result of all this, the Address goes on to add, was the introduction of the 
whole matter at a churcli meeting held on the 5th of March, 1781. Much debat- 
ing ensued; the members became divided into two distinct parties, and finally 
a protest against the doctrine of universal restoration, as a dangerous heresy, 
was signed by sixty-seven of tlie most substantial and influential members of the 
church. Tliis number was afterwards increased to eighty-six. Upon a motion 
made to wait on Mr. Winchester, and inform him that he could not, with pro- 
priety, be allowed to preach for them any longer, the protestors found them- 
selves in a small minority, Mr. Winchester's adherents, including many of the 
" sisters" and younger members of the church, " being rather the most numer- 
ous." The church at this time numbered about one hundred and seventy. Tlie 
protestors, however, conscious of having truth and justice on their side, viewed 
themselves as fully authorized to act independently of the new party. They ac- 
cordingly ajipointed a committee of two to wait on Mr. Winchester at his lodg- 
ings. This committee, failing to find him at home, addressed him a letter, which 



1784-1785. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 335 

eiy of America, with an Appendix ; Reigning Abomina- 
tions ; various sermons, etc. Mr. Winchester died on the 
18th of April, 1797, aged forty-six years. He appears to have 
been a man of sincere piety, notwithstanding the change 
in his theological opinions. His biography, by the Rev. 
Edwin M. Stone, of Providence, was published by Brewster 
of Boston, in 1836. The book, which contains an excellent 
portrait of Winchester, is now extremely rare. 

From the following letter it appears that the college at 
this time, notwithstanding the financial embarrassments of 
the people in consequence of the war, jDromised better than 
at any former period of its existence : — 

TO THE EEY. DR. SMITH. 

Pkovidence, July 3, 1784. 
Dear Sir : 

By some means I mislaid your last to me in which you mention some 

buddings of a spiritual natui-e amongst you. I rejoice to hear it. Hope 

he returned at once, unopened. On Thursday evening, March the 8th, his friends 
broke into the meeting-liouse, and took forcible possession thereof, Mr. Winches- 
ter preaching notwithstanding the confusion. On the ensuing Sabbath he ad- 
ministered the Lord's Supper. A council of ministers was now called, and com- 
mittees representing the two parties were appointed to meet them, with a view 
to an amicable adjustment of the difficulties. Failing in this, the members of the 
New Party, so called, were, by advice of the council, formally excluded from the 
church. Subsequently Mr. Winchester was, by the action of the Philadelphia 
and Warren Associations, formally excluded from the fellowship of the Baptist 
denomination. 

The Address, of which we have given the substance, was dated May 14, 1781, 
and signed by Samuel Miles, William Rogers, Thomas Shields, and John M'Kim. 
The suit for the possession of the house and property was, as we have already 
seen, finally decided in favor of the Protestors, as they were then called. We 
have devoted more space than could be well spared to this matter, because of 
its importance, and also because it is frequently alluded to in Manning's corres- 
pondence. Indeed, Manning was himself prominent in the affair. Mr. Ustick, 
Winchester's immediate successor, was received by the church on his recom- 
mendation ; and he was a member of a committee appointed by the Philadelphia 
Association, in 1781, to investigate and report to said body the proceedings of 
the church in reference to Winchester and his doctrines. 



336 MANNING AX D Chap. YIII. 

it may gloriously increase. I returned the 27th ult. Mrs. Manning 
sailed that day sennight to enjoy the last interview with her dear 
mamma, just about to leave us by a consumption, and very desirous 
of seeing her. She arrived at New York last Tuesday. Your friends, as 
far as I could hear, are in usual health. The Plains are destitute of a 
minister. They intend to try for Sammy Jones. Mr. Runyon is settled 
at Piscataway, where are some appearances of a revival. The general 
meeting was crowded, ten or eleven, ministers present, and amongst them 
Mr, Hart, who, I think, will settle at Hopewell. Cranberry is visited with 
a revival, as are some other places in some small degree, especially under 
the ministry of Mr. Wilson, of Bordentown. Mr. Gano's meeting-house 
is completely repaired and his congregation very full. Things look 
rather promising in New York, though the people are poor after their exile. 
I never enjoyed more freedom in preaching in any journey in my life, 
nor was I ever more attended to. The college consists of twent3^-thrce stu- 
dents, nine being added since the vacation. More than a dozen are ex- 
pected to enter in the fall. We have a number of promising youth, and 
amongst tliem is my nepliew Jimmy, son of Jercmiali. Mr. Wilkinson' 

1 William Wilkinson, who was graduated in 1783. He immediately took 
charge of the college Latin school, which charge he retained until 1792. He was 
eminently successful as a teacher, and fitted for college many of itsdistiuguished 
alumni. In 1785 he was appointed, librarian of the college. As the history of 
the Latin school forms a part of our college history, we may be pardoned for in- 
troducing here an advertisement from the Providence Gazette, by which it ap- 
pears that the connection which had existed between the school and the college 
was for a time dissolved : — 

" William Wilkinson informs the public, that, by the advice of the school 
committee, he proposes removing his school from the college edifice, on Monday 
next, to the brick schoolhousc; and, sensible of the many advantages resulting 
from a proper method of instruction in the English language, he has, by the 
committee's approbation, associated with him Mr. Asa Learned, as an English 
instructor. Those gentlemen and ladies who may wish to employ them in the 
several branches of the Greek, Latin, and English languages taught grammati- 
cally, arithmetic, and writing, may depend on the utmost attention being paid 
to their children. Greek and Latin at twenty-four shillings per quarter; Eng- 
lish at sixteen shillings. 

Wilkinson and Learned. 

Trovidence, Oct. 20, 178G." 

In tracing further the history of this Latin or grammar school, we find in the 
records of the cor])oralion, under date of Sept. 4, 1794, the following: " Voted, 
That the President use Ins influence and endeavor to establish a grammar school 
in this town, as an appendage to this college, to be under the immediate visita- 



1784-1785. BR0W1!T UNIVERSITY. 337 

is a good master. The school is nearly up to twenty. All the rooms in 
the two lower stories are now full, and we must go directly to finishing 
the two upper ones, at least the third, if we can possibly devise ways and 
means ; which I expect will be very difficult. I think the advice you gave 
Mr. Wood was right, and he will doubtless fare as well on the subject 
of advancement with us as at Jersey College. The institution promises 
better now than at any period of its existence. Had we about one or two 
thousand pounds more to provide for a suitable tuition, I should rejoice. 
Secure of your interest in sending us scholars, I shall say nothing on that 
head, but as the bearer, Capt. Thivell, is waiting, must conclude with 
best wishes to you, lady, and all friends. 

Yours, as ever, 

James Manning. 
P. S. — Miss Joey Brown, daughter of Nicholas, is fast declining. Her 
disorder is thought to be the consumption. 

President Manning now begins a correspondence with 
the Rev. Dr. Caleb Evans, President of the Baptist acad- 
emy in Bristol. His father was the Rev. Hugh Evans, one 
of the most distinguished Baptist ministers of his day. 
Dr. Evans proved to be a warm friend of the college, and 
was the means of securing valuable books for the library. 
He died on the 9th of August, 1791, in the fifty-fourth 
year of his age. He published a collection of hymns, and 
numerous sermons and addresses, the greater part of which 
are to be found in the library. " Our Baptist college in 
America," says Dr. Rippon, " was proud to confer on him 
her highest honors, in which she was followed by the prin- 
cipal and professors of the King's College, Aberdeen, in 
the year 1789." 

lion of the President, and the general inspection of the town's school committee, 
and that the President also procure a suitable master for such school." This 
resolution was doubtless carried into effect. Fifteen years afterwards, as we 
have already stated in a previous chapter (see page 198), the corporation erected 
a brick building for the accommodation of the school, at an expense of fifteen 
hundred dollars. This building, which has since been enlarged, is the one now 
occupied as the " University Grammar School." 
29 



\ 



338 MANNING AND Chap. VIII. 

Pkoyidence, Sept. 13, 1784. 
Keverend Sir : 

I have long wished for a favorable opportunity of introducing myself 
to you, and am happy that one has at length offered, by answering your 
request in a late letter to my friend and brother Rev. Samuel Stillman, 
of Boston, Enclosed is the catalogue of all the books now belonging to 
the college. Nearly one half of them have their bindings much broken, 
as they were old when presented. Besides the enclosed we have ordered 
out from London this fall about fourteen hundred volumes, a catalogue 
of which we sent to Dr. Stennett, requesting his advice to the merchants, 
Messrs. Champion and Dickinson, in the purchase of them, hoping that 
he may point out where they can be had second-hand, etc. Of this you 
may obtain a sight by applying to the Doctor. Together with that we 
sent a catalogue of books which we are not able to purchase, but which 
we should be glad to receive by way of donation, should any of our 
friends be so disposed. Were I not oppressed with cares, and at present 
destitute of assistance, I would send them to you also. If, however, I 
can make out a copy of these catalogues before the ship sails, they shall 
accompany this. The above-mentioned fourteen hundred volumes are a 
donation from our treasurer, John Brown, Esq., of Providence. The 
amount of two hundred pounds sterling was also ordered to be expended 
in the purchase of a necessary philosopliical apparatus, in addition to 
what we already have, consisting chiefly of a telescope, an air-pump and 
its apparatus, globes, and a thermometer. The money for this order 
was subscribed by other members of the corporation last fall. A list of 
these articles was also forwarded to Dr. Stcnnett. 

Your kind attention to the interests of the college, and the proffer of 
your services, were sensibly felt by the corporation at their annual meeting 
H this present month ; and it is in obedience to their commands, imposed 
by the following vote, that I now write : " Voted, That tlie Rev. Messrs. 
President Manning and Samuel Stillman be a committee to Avrite to the 
Rev. Hugh Evans of Bristol, and other gentlemen in England, and en- 
close the catalogue of books belonging to the college, and endeavor to 
procure such donations in books, apparatus, and money as may be obtained 
from thence ; and also consult Dr. Stennett on ihc expediency of sending 
a ])erson to England to solicit donations for the college." 

At the commencement of tlie war the college was in a growing stale. 
Tlic numl)cr of students was about forty, and there was a good Latin 
school in the edifice. In 1776 it was delivered up, or rather taken pos- 



1784-1785. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 339 

session of by the troops as a barrack and hospital, and continued to be 
occupied by the militia, Continental and French troops, and seamen, 
until June, 1782. During this period the house sustained great damages, 
for which we have received no compensation yet, nor have we much 
prospect of it in future. Tliis has thrown a heavy burden on the corpo- 
ration, and greatly embarrassed them in making the necessary repairs, 
especially as our fund is small. This we have made many efforts to 
augment by collections, etc., in this country, but to so little purpose that 
our whole fund produces but about sixty pounds sterling per annum. 
The distressed and exhausted state of the country by war, leaves us little 
room soon to hope for much from this quarter, especially as money is 
become so scarce that our people in the country, although possessed of 
property, cannot command sufficient to pay their taxes. We are unwil- 
ling however to relinquish our design, as it is evident that the institution 
has already greatly contributed to the perpetuity of our denomination, 
and begins again to attract the public attention. The number of students 
already in college, and of those we expect in the course of the fall, is up- 
wards of thirty. In teaching I have the assistance of one tutor. A small 
Latin school is kept up in the college. Any services you can render in 
endowing it will be mo-t acceptable to the corporation. 

Last week I attended our Association at Middleborough, and though 
several of the remote churches did not send messengers, a great number 
of Christian friends met and enjoyed a harmonious and agreeable inter- 
view. "Were the minutes printed I would enclose them. In several places 
there is a happy revival of religion, especially in the eastern parts of 
Massachusetts, and I am not without encouragement under my poor min- 
istry. The doctrine of religious, as well as civil liberty, is in general 
better understood in New England than before the Kevolution notwith- 
standing in places the persons and property of several of our friends have 
been seized on for ministerial rates. I think it not improbable that the 
rapid increase of our society will provoke some of our neighbors to give 
us much trouble ; but it affords encouragement that the whole body are 
determined to maintain their rights and support the burden which may 
first fall upon individuals. Possibly the knowledge of this resolution en- 
tered into at our last annual meeting may deter our oppressors. If not, 
may the great Head of the church furnish us with grace to suffer like 
Christians. 

I have often heard of your Education Society, and of its great utility 
in training up young men for the ministry. My highly respected friend 



340 MANNING AND Chap. VIII. 

and your brother-in-law, Thomas Mullet, Esq., gave me the best account 
of it which I have yet received ; still, if it be not too troublesome I 
should be glad to receive further information respecting it, and I will 
engage to repay it in any information you wish for in my power to give. 

In a letter to Dr. Stennett, last fall, I gave a pretty full account of the 
state of religion and some other matters in tliis new world ; it was in an- 
swer to his request in a letter by Mr. IMullctt. If this letter reached him, 
it is not improbable that you have seen it, as I requested him to commu- 
nicate the contents to those of our friends who might wish to hear from 
us. On the opening again of the communication between both countries, 
it was pleasing to find our brethren in England, at least a great number 
of them, so much interested in our welfare. How strong a proof this of 
the reality of that Ciiristian love and unity in the spirit which is the gen- 
uine fruit of a gracious principle ! The same temper is manifested here 
towards our brethren in England. There is the same joy expressed on 
hearing that Christ's kingdom is advancing with you which appeared be- 
fore the war. And wliy should it not be so, since liis kingdom is but one ? 
Dependence or independence therefore should make no diifcrence amongst 
his subjects, who consist of the elect out of different people, nations, and 
languages. The privilege of a correspondence with Mr. Evans I shall 
highly prize, if not too troublesome to him ; and he may depend on 
punctuality on the part of his unwortiiy friend and brother, 

James Manning. 

To this letter Dr. Evans replies : — 

Bristol, England, Jan. 26, 1785. 
Dear Sir: 

As the extensive connections in whicli my brother is engaged on your 
wide-extended continent render it ad^•isablo for bini once more to traverse 
the mighty waters, and to pay a visit to his American friends, in which 
number you hold a distinguislied place, I gladly embrace the opportunity 
of accepting your correspondence, and replying to your favor of the 13th 
of September last, which I received in due course in November. I shall 
be truly happy to do anything in my j)ower to ])romote the j^rosperity of 
the infant college over which you so worthily preside, and shall omit no 
opportunity tiiat oilers of testifying my regards to it. Charity, you know, 
the old ])roverl) says, should hcfjin at home, but I think it should not end 
there, but flow on without control to the utmost limits of possibility. I 



1784-1785. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 341 

had so little time with Dr. Stennett when I was in London that we had 
no opportunity of entering upon the affairs of your college as I wished to 
have done, nor could I have a sight of the catalogue of tlie books lately 
purchased. I shall nevertheless pursue the design of obtaining for you 
such of our duplicates as may be worthy your acceptance, without strictly 
adhering to what you already have, because you may easily exchange, as 
you observe, such as may prove superfluous. But this cannot be accom- 
plished till August next, as our Society will have no meeting till that 
time. As to a person's coming over here to solicit benefactions, I rather 
fear it would not at present be advisable ; but should Dr. Stennett think 
otherwise, and a proper person should come, especially if it were either 
yourself or Dr. Stillman, I would readily use my utmost efforts to pro- 
mote his success. Our friends in general are well enough affected to 
America, but many of tliem have very little idea of the utility of academi- 
cal institutions, though it is evident the prejudices are wealing away. I 
am sorry to see, as well by the account Mr. Muliett gives me as by your 
letter, that religion is at so low an el)b amongst you, though I doubt not 
the time will come when it will again run and be glorified. There have 
been on your continent, in years past, many enemies against revivals, and 
your set time to favor Zion will, I doubt not, yet come again. Your 
church is, however, I hear, flourishing, as also Mr. Stillman's and some 
others. Blessed be God, wo have cause for thankfulness here. One of our 
churches in this city lately baptized twenty, and probably before this letter 
leaves this place I shall have the pleasure of receiving something more 
than an equal number to the solemn rite. And yet still we have much 
cause to complain of lukewarmness and formality. Dr. Stennett's Dis- 
courses on Domestic Duties you have probably seen, and probably Mr. 
Booth's treatise on Baptism, the most elaborate and decisive perform- 
ance upon that subject that has ever yet been published, or probably ever 
will be. I enclose you one of our last associational letters, and a sermon 
lately published by one of our ministers on Walking by Faith, which I 
beg your acceptance of, as also a fifth volume of Saurin to complete the 
set which Mr. Muliett tells me he presented to your college, and which he 
had of me for his own use on the voyage. Amongst the books you may 
expect in the fall are the Polyglott General Dictionary, 10 vols., including 
Bayle, Biographical Dictionary, and many others equally valuable. I 
shall wish your direction how to send them. I will, my dear sir, detain 
you no longer than to express my warmest wishes for the increasing pros- 
perity of the church and college over which you preside, the revival of the 
29* 



342 MANNING AND Chap. VIII. 

interests of literature and true religion through the American continent 
and the whole world, and recommend my brother to your continued 
friendship. I remain, 

Yours, aflfectionately, in the endearing bonds of gospel love, 

Caleb Eyans. 



In his correspondence with Evans, Dr. Manning, it will 
be observed, speaks of being " oppressed with cares." The 
number and variety of his cares may be inferred from the 
following amusing extract from a letter written by Dr. 
Waterhouse, which we find quoted in the memoir by Prof. 
Goddard : " I never shall forget what Dr. Manning, in 
great good humor, told me were among his ' trying experi- 
ences.' He told me that his salary w^is only eighty pounds 
per annum, and that for this pittance he performed all the 
duties of President of the college ; heard two classes re- 
cite every day ; listened to complaints, foreign and domes- 
tic, from undergraduates and their parents, of both sexes, 
and answered them, now and then by letter; waited gener- 
ally on all transient visitors into college, etc. Nor was 
this all. *I made,' said Dr. Manning, 'my own garden, 
and took care of it; repaired my dilapidated walls; went 
nearly every day to market ; preached twice a week, and 
sometimes oftener; attended, by solicitation, the funeral 
of every baby that died in Providence ; visited the sick 
of my own society, and not unfrequently the sick of other 
societies ; made numerous parochial visits, the poorest 
people exacting the longest, and, in case of any seeming 
neglect, finding fault the most.' " Amid all these perplex- 
ing cares, which allowed him but scanty time for premed- 
itating his sermons, we have the testimony of Dr. Water- 
house for adding that "the honorable and worthy man 
never complained." 



1784-1785. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 343 

EEV. ABRAHAM BOOTH TO MANNING. 

London, June 30, 1784. 
Dear Sir : 

It is with pleasure that I reflect on a restoration of intercourse between 
Great Britain and America, after so long an interruption by so destructive 
a war. May a kind Providence yet render the two countries mutually 
useful to each other. Having a favorable opportunity, I here present you 
with a publication or two. Shall be glad to hear of their obtaining your 
approbation. 

You will much oblige me by transmitting the enclosed parcel to Mr. 
Stillman ; and you will increase the obligation by favoring me with a few 
lines your first opportunity. 

Taking it for granted that Dr. Stennett will give you some account of 
the state of religion amongst us in the country, I have nothing to add 
but my ardent prayers that a kind Providence may bless your confeder- 
ated provinces with peace and prosperity, and that the great Head of 
the church may cause pure and undefilcd religion to flourish in all your 
academies, your churches, and through all your extensive country. I 
conclude, and remain. 

Your cordial friend and unworthy brother, 

A. Booth. 

P. S. — Mr. Benjamin Wallin died upwards of two years ago. 

To the above Manning replies : — 

Providence, Oct. 3, 1784. 
Dear Sir : 

On my return from New York, four days ago, I was so happy as to 
find a line from Mr, A. Booth, accompanied with the publications men- 
tioned. My present hurry has permitted me to examine but little more 
than the titlepages, but from my predilection for the author of the Reign 
of Grace, I am persuaded any publication of Ids will be highly accepta- 
ble. My next shall inform you of my opinion of the publications on 
perusal. In the mean time I beg you to accept my hearty thanks for the 
donation. By the ship Hope, belonging to this town, and by the bearer, 
Dr. Solomon Drowne, who goes as a passenger in her, I embrace the 
opportunity of acknowledging the receipt of yours. Mr. Drowne is a son 
of the college, a gentleman of remarkable modesty, who, having passed 
through the best medical schools in this country, now visits Europe with 



344 M A N X I N G A X D Ch ap. YIII. 

views of further improvement in the line of his profession. He is a 
member of tlie corporation, and of unblcmislied character, on whose 
information you m-ay safely rely respecting the college, or any other mat- 
ters. As such I beg leave to introduce him to your notice, and refer you 
to him for particulars. 

The restoration of public tranquillity and a free intercourse between 
the two countries, after so long an interruption, is matter of thanksgiving 
to God. Few, perhaps, in either country, more sincerely regretted this 
interruption than your unworthy friend ; to Avhicli no consideration could 
ever reconcile him except that of making a part of the plan of His ad- 
ministration who is infinite in wisdom. Conciliatory measures, I doubt 
not, will render both countries reciprocally useful. 

I have transmitted the letter and parcel to Mr. Stillman by a safe hand. 
I have not yet been so hapjiy as to receive a line from Dr. Stennett, 
which I am daily expecting, with the wishcd-for information. Enclosed 
I send you a copy of our last Association minutes. This will give you a 
general view of the state of a number of our churches. Since that time 
I have received authentic accounts of a most glorious work of God, in 
what is called the State of Vermont, formerly the Hampshire grants, on 
the west side of Connecticut river. It extends over well-neigh half the 
peopled part of that territory'-, and appears increasing. The eastern part 
of Massachusetts continues still to be remarkably visited in the same way, 
and the prospect brightens at New York and in many parts of the Western 
States. Some drops have also fallen on Providence, Newport, and 
Swanzey, with several other jjlaces. My attention, however, is so much 
called for at the college, that I cannot visit, as I wish to do, and rejoice 
together with them. A long letter to Dr. Stennett, last fall, Aviiich you 
have probably seen, gave some general accounts of the state of religion 
amongst us since the commencement of the war. I shall not therefore 
repeat what I then wrote, — only obseiTe that two of the leaders in what 
they called the New Dispensation, but others the Shaking Quakers, have, 
notwithstanding their boasted immortality, lately died ; one of whom 
was, as they termed her, the elect lady. The adherents, I am told, to 
that fanatical system, are falling off and renouncing it. Their folly in- 
deed has been made abundantly manifest. It is the general opinion of 
serious people that these shakings presage something glorious to the 
church of God, May the Lord grant an accomplishment of their wishes. 

The mournful news of Mr. Wallin's death reached us more than a 



1781-1785. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 315 

year ago. When he died a truly great man in our Israel tell ; but I 
doubt not it was his gain. 

Your ardent wishes for our national prosperity, but more especially for 
that of the churches of Christ in this new world, are peculiarly acceptable. 
Permit me to repay them by wislies as ardent for Great Britain and Ire- 
land, those lands of our forefathers' nativity, and for the advancement of 
the glorious kingdom of our common Lord throughout the same, and 
indeed throughout the whole world. 

A line from Mr. Booth will always be very acceptable to his sincere 
friend and unworthy brother, 

James Manning. 



TO THE REV. JOHN ETLAND, JR. 

Providence, Nov. 12, 1784. 
Reverend and dear Sir : 

I beg leave to embrace this opportunity to confess my fault in not for- 
warding your diploma before now. By some unaccountable neglect it 
was mislaid till a few days since. 

You will forgive the execution, as the writing is but indifferent, nor 
could we at that time procure it done otherwise. It is, however, a small 
testimony of our regard for the merit of Mr. Ryland, and as such we beg 
you to accept it. 

The long and agreeable correspondence I was honored with by your 
father (to whom I have written since the war) leads me to wish for the 
continuance of it. But if his advanced age or engagements forbid it, I 
wish for it from his son, and, as I am told, successor in the school at 
Northampton. I heartily wish you success in the important employment 
of educating youth, and in preaching the gosj^el of our glorious Saviour. 

We have seen days of sorrow during the late calamitous war, but 
blessed be God that I have lived to see a period to it, and a free inter- 
course again opened between us and Great Britain. Some agreeable 
letters have already reached me from several friends in England, more of 
which I hope for soon ; also more particular accounts of the state of re- 
ligion in general and your society in particular. I long to read some 
of those old-fashioned letters from Rev. John Ryland in this way. They 
will however be veiy acceptable from his son. 

The college is reviving. Thirty students have already entered, and 
more are expected. We have in part repaired the damages of the house, 



346 MANNING AND Chap. VIII. 

which were very great, by the wanton waste of the soldiery. I have the 
assistance of one tutor. We need more help, but the low state of our 
funds will not support another, and the scarcity of cash at present in 
this country forbids our hopes of augmenting our little stock. We were 
so fortunate, in the wreck of public credit during the war, as to preserve 
our little fund undiminished. In the eastern part of Massachusetts and 
in the State of Vermont there is a most glorious work of God, which 
has continued for some time and still increases. Please to present my 
best regards to your honored fatlicr, and believe me, with every sentiment 
of esteem, dear sir, 

Your unworthy brother, 

James Manning. 

TO THE KEY. DE. EIPPON. 

Providence, Nov. 12, 1784. 
Reverend and dear Sir : 

This will be handed you by my friend. Dr. Solomon Drowne, of Provi- 
dence, a son of the college, a gentleman of great modesty, who visits your 
city with views of further medical improvement. I beg leave to recom- 
mend him to you as a man of good character, and a Fellow of the college. 
Through him you may receive what information you wish respecting the 
college, etc. Together with this you will receive the diploma I men- 
tioned in my last. We beg you to accept it as a testimony of our respect 
for the character and merit of Mr. Rippon. I must apologize for tlie 
writing. It was done in a hurry, and by a young hand. 

The Lord's work still goes on gloriously in the eastern parts of Massa- 
chusetts and Vermont. By recent advice from these parts we are assured 
that whole congregations, almost, of Congregationalists, embrace the Bap- 
tist principles ; and in one instance their minister was baptized with his 
people. Several useful ministers arc raised up amongst them lately in 
that wilderness. This looks somewhat like the coming of our Redeemer's 
kingdom. With me you say amen ! Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly. 
In great haste, I am, dear sir, 

Your unworthy brother and fellow-believer in Jesus, 

James Manning. 

Mr. Drowne, whom Manning here introduces to Dr. Rip- 
pon, graduated from the college in the year 1773. Upon his 



1784-1785. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 3-17 

return from Europe, he practised medicine in Providence for 
a while, then removed to Ohio, thence to Pennsylvania, and 
finally settled in the town of Foster, R. I., where he passed 
the remainder of his days in professional and agricultural 
pursuits, and in the cultivation of his taste for botany and 
for elegant letters. In 1811 he was appointed Professor 
of Materia Medica and Botany in Brown University, and 
for two or three seasons he delivered lectures to a class of 
medical students. He also lectured on botany to the un- 
dergraduates of the University, and to a private class of 
citizens. He died in 1834, at the advanced age of eighty- 
one years. A fine portrait of him is among the collection 
of portraits in Rhode Island Hall. Mr. Drowne was a Fel- 
low of the University from 1783 until his death, a period 
of more than fifty-one years. 



Providence, Dec 23, 1784. 
To THE Honorable David Howtill, 

Member of Congress in Philadelphia: 

Sir: — Before you receive this, }'0u will doubtless be advised of the 
melancholy situation of our common friend, Mr. Joseph Brown, who, 
upwards of four weeks since, received a violent shock of an apoplexy and 
numb palsy combined, which for some time caused his physicians and 
friends to despair of his life. But though he is much recovered, as to the 
use of his limbs and his speech, it forbids, in a great measure, our indulg- 
ing a hope of his restoration to former usefulness. Joey, daughter of 
Nicholas Brown, still survives, but is in the last stage of her disorder. 
Mrs. Thurston, wife of the elder, died of the small pox last Friday. He 
and his family have it by inoculation, and are in a hopeful way to recover. 
I left Newport last Monday morning. Your family are in usual health, 
for aught I have heard to the contrary since my return. Mr. Wilkinson 
speaks favorably of Jeremiah's proficiency in and attention to Greek. 

I have nothing new to advise you respecting the college. Our number 
is above thirty. We have heard that you very soon adjourned to Phila- 
delphia, after your meeting at Trenton. I suppose you find better living 



348 MANNING AND Chap. VIII. 

and more diversion in the city ; to which, if members of Congress are 
not entitled, I beg leave to know who are 1 I hope you will be good na- 
tured, unanimous, and attentive to the public business, conducting it to 
the great honor and advantage of the United States. 

What think you of an application to Congress for the rents and dam- 
ages of the college 1 Will it do this session or not 1 I fear it will become 
an old story, and that wc, in the issue, shall lose the whole, if we defer 
it longer. What we ask is not only just, but greatly wanted at present. I 
beg you to feel round amongst the members, and form a judgment of the 
probability of success in case of an application. Should things appear 
promising, I will forward the papers, and indeed will come myself, Deo 
volcnte, in the spring, if you tliink it can be of any use. 

You remember I mentioned to you the case of our farm in the Jerseys, 
and our thoughts of selling it for public securities. What is your opinion ? 
Will Congress, this session, provide for jmying the interest on final-settle- 
ment notes equally with that of loan-office certificates, or not ? From the 
face of things at present witli you, is it your opinion that public securities 
will appreciate soon ? If so, which species of them are the most likely to 
do so ? If Congress takes up this subject, how long do you expect it will 
be first ? I wish a resolution of these queries when your leisure will per- 
mit. Are you likely to open a land-office soon, to dispose of any of the 
Western territory ? What concessions have the Indians made to the 
commissioners sent out to treat with them 1 Will they sell any part of 
their lands to the States ? or do they oppose our extending our settle- 
ments 1 What will be the terms, if Congress opens an office, on which 
they will dispose of their lands ? It is the ardent wish here that some- 
thing may speedily be done with our new acquisitions towards raising 
our public credit, and alleviating the burdens of taxation, under which 
the people at present groan. And if the way is paved by the commission- 
ers, I see no reason for losing time, as money daily grows scarcer. This 
must affect the price of them greatly, at a future distant period, unless 
some expedient can be hit on to replenish the States with that useful arti- 
cle. Will not Congress establish a mint for the Union'? I think this 
measure would l)c attended with advantage. While wc neglect it, do we 
iK)t, apparently, betray a diffidence or distrust of the continuance of our in- 
dependence ? A national coin would serve to strengtiien the sinews of gov- 
ernment, in my opinion, and might be managed so as to secure a medium 
in the country, I should think, which is certainly a great national object. 
But I shall begin to smile at my scribbling politics, and I shall provoke 



17&1-1785. BROWN UNIVERSITY. o iO 

your risibilities no further ; concluding by inquiring how you found friends 
in the Jerseys, requesting a line from you at your first leisure, and, joined 
with Mrs. Manning, presenting my best compliments. With sentiments 
of esteem, I am, respectfully, 

Yours, etc., 

James Manning. 

TO THE KEY. THOIVIAS USTICK, PHILADELPHIA. 

Providence, March 4, 1785. 
Reverend and dear Sir : 

Unwilling to saddle you with postage to the amount of three or four 
shillings, as I had no other medium of conveyance, I have now before 
me yours of Dec. 24, and January, to which I have given you no an- 
swer. I presume, from not mentioning in your last the indisposition of 
your family, that your children are recovered. This, at least, I hope is 
the case. In addition to the procedure of the Pedobaptists, mentioned in 
my last, I now have to inform you that some time in tliis winter they took 
three of Mr. Thomas Green's people for minister's rates, and put tliem 
into Cambridge jail. You recollect that he lives in that town. Our 
friends have prosecuted them, and the trial comes on there the 9th inst. 
Perhaps a degree of this opposition to the truth of the gospel is necessary to 
engage a suitable attention to its importance. It is no argument in favor 
of the disposition of those who make il, but it may be a means of great 
good to those against whom it is made. 

|»Some revivals in various parts of New England are encouraging amidst 
these trials. Providence in a small degree is blessed with some quickcn- 
ings amongst Christians, and a few instances of late awakenings. I hope 
you may yet rejoice on this account in Pennsylvania. 

The state of the college is as promising as we could reasonably expect. 
Our number is thirty-one, and more are expected to enter this spring. Mr. 
John Brown is about finishing the third story, which we expect to want 
in the course of this year, if those Avhom we expect should come. I be- 
lieve our students are as orderly, industrious, and as good scholars as at 
any one period of the institution. One tutor is all the assistance which I 
have at present, Mr. Bobbins, from Connecticut, who gives good satisfac- 
tion. Probably I shall be able to answer your request relative to Mr. 
Brown this spring before I visit the Jerseys, which I expect to do in May, 
without some unforseen cause should prevent it. The corporation at that 
30 



350 MANNING AND Chap. VIII. 

time had resolved on an application to Congress for reparation of the 
damage done the college during its appropriation to public uses through 
the war, and have resolved to send mc on that errand. In this I shall 
want every assistance from the friends of the institution, by letters to the 
members, etc. If your acquaintance with any of them will enable you to 
aid mc, I know I am sure of that aid. 

Mr. Joseph Brown's indisposition is indeed a very heavy stroke to us. 
The college and the church particularly feel it. There is little probabil- 
ity of his ever being restored to his former usefulness, though he again 
goes a little abroad. I have attended to your request in respect to the 
minutes you enclosed. I am sorry to hear of the acrimony among you 
respecting the officers of government. I think it very imprudent in the 
Presbyterians, as well as injurious, to wish to engross these to themselves. 
But that profession has been of old impeached of a propensity this way, 
and, as St. Paul somewhere says, I partly believe it. 

As I am thoroughly conscious of my want of qualifications for the 
grade you mention, so I do not wish it. It is perhaps, at best, but an 
empty sound, and rendered, in too many instances, still more so by the char- 
acters of those on whom it has been bestowed, for a place in whose cata- 
logue I have no ambition. ^ I thank you, however, for your kind atten- 
tion. You have ray hearty thanks for your expressions of friendship to 
the college. You reason rightly with the Baptists respecting this matter, 
who, one would think, have sufficient proofs of the propriety of it, from 
the struggles amongst themselves. But we are, and ever have been, in 
these respects, a wrong-headed people. I am happy to have a better 
opinion of their hearts. I hope Mr. Rogers's lecturing may be of use, and 
that you may both labor with great success, and, as father Aldcn says, 
with good agreement. 

I am sensible that your attention to a school must greatly interfere 
with your discharge of the duty of a pastor, but I hope this may not be 
without its good effect to counterbalance that loss, since there appears to 
be a needs be for it. In your letter to Mr. Pitman you mentioned Win- 
chester, in possession of his fifth wiie and a red coat. Please, in your 

' rresidcnt Manning here refers, doubtless, to the honorary degree of Doctor 
in Divinity, which the University of Tennsylvauia, as appears from their trien- 
nial catalogue, conferred upon him during the present year. Our readers will 
not fail to observe, that while Manning .seems to have been indiflerent in regard 
to his own honors and emoluments, he was careful in conferring the honors of 
Khodc Island College upon the worthy who desired them. 



1784-1785. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 351 

next, to give us the particulars of that eccentric genius, his adherents, 
success, etc., etc. 

Mrs. Manning has been restored to her heahh for some time, except a 
cold, which at present incommodes her. Joey Brown died in the fore 
part of winter, — as ripe for heaven, by every evidence which could be 
wished for, as almost any person I ever saw. Many have dropped off 
this winter in this town and Newport by chronic complaints, but at pres- 
ent good health is more prevalent. 

With best respects to Mrs. Ustick and friends, in which Mrs. Manning 
joins, and with sentiments of esteem, I am, as ever, 

Yours, etc., 

James Manning. 

Providence, March 21, 1785. 
To THE Honorable David Howell, 

In Congress at New York : 
Sir : — And the snow three and four feet deep ! what do you think of 
that ? How do you think Mrs. Howell fares this inclement, protracted 
winter 1 — not to mention the cows, old Sorrel, etc., in regard to hay. 
But I beg pardon for calling your attention from that higher region where 
you are conversant, in settling the nation, to these sublunary things. To 
be serious, we have not only had a hard winter, but the spring, thus far, 
is much of the same tenor. We talk here much of removing to the tem- 
perate climate of Kentucky to avoid this snow and frost, which throw us 
into a torpid state so great a part of the year. I saw your papa and fam- 
ily at meeting yesterday; all well. Your friends in general are well. I 
have enclosed Mr. Carter's paper of the 12th instant, containing the law 
made at the last session of the General Assembly in relation to the import, 
in Mr. Van. Horn's letter, which I authorize you to open that you may 
see it, provided you have not yet received it. But I beg you to reendorsc 
it and direct it to Mr. Van Horn, to be left at Mr. Ustick's. The college 
remains in statu quo. item, the church, congregation, politics of the town, 
etc., for aught I know. I thank you for the newspapers you sent me. I 
think the address to the York Assembly labored. Will it compass their 
ends ? It is diverting enough to hear Doctors Ewing and Rush endeavor- 
ing to expose each other for their latent zeal for the Kirk, and exhibiting 
to the world the naked truth. If, by their quan-el, an old proverb should be 
verified, it might afford matter of rejoicing to many. But they are mem- 
bers of the militant church, and so I leave them to box it out. I told you 



352 MANNING AND CnAr. VIII. 

in my last that the corporation had resolved to send me forward in the 
spring to Congress, as yon desired. But as you did not give much en- 
couragement of success from the application, I beg leave to inquire what 
you think of the probability of our procuring a grant of some part of the 
Western territory, instead of a grant of money, as I perceive,, hy your letter 
to Mr. Brown, you expect a land-office to be opened in the spring 1 This 
would not augment the public debt, and would in time be productive for 
the college. Rather than get nothing, I should be glad to accept of this. 
This, however, is only a thought of my own, and suggested for your con- 
sideration, on which I should be glad of your opinion, in your next, that 
I may take the sense of the corporation on this subject before I set out. 

Pray, how go final-settlement notes and other continental securities in 
New York at present 1 You need not liave been quite so short in your 
last, for I make a point of writing whenever I can find anything to say ; 
and would you wish, after reading this, to have me write again and say 
nothing ? If so, I can spill ink and spoil paper as fast as most of my 
neighbors. 

Pray, what is likely to be the result of the wranglings of the Dutch and 
the Emperor ? Will there be a general war, and if so will it reach us ? 
You stand on the Avatchtower, and can tell us, we presume, what may 
be depended on. Now there is a claim entered for a very long letter, by 
next post, by, sir, 

Your humble servant, 

James Manning. 

To Thomas Mcackaness, Esq., of London, to whom, it 
seems. Dr. Manning had shown kind attentions Avhile a 
captive at Providence during the war, he thus writes : — 

Providence, July 10, 1785. 
])i;au Sik : 

Yours of April 27, 178.5, with the box of books, containing five vol- 
umes quarto of AVitsner's Works, in Latin, came safe by the liaud of 
]\Ir. Fry. Wiien they arrived I was absent at New York, or I sliould 
have embraced an earlier opportunity of presenting my thanks to Mr. 
Mackaness for the donation, and the kind attention which you liavc been 
pleased to i)ay to me. Your letter last winter, by your son-in-hiw, came 
safe to hand, but I liad not the pleasure of seeing him. I took the ear- 



1784-1785. BROV/N UNIVERSITY. 353 

liest opportunity of forwarding you a letter, by the care of our common 
friend Deacon Mason, of Boston, in hopes it might have reached Mr. 
Harvey's hands bcfoi'c he sailed. I am sorry you did not receive it. A 
visit from you to your Providence friends was greatly wished for, and 
indeed expected. Messrs. Jos. Rogers and Geo. Benson are well. The 
former is mourning the loss of a dear and amiable wife. He feels that 
the hand of God has touched him. He could sympathize with you in 
calling to remembrance the tender and afflictive scenes througli which you 
have passed. I am glad to find that you think, however stormy the path, 
that you have been led the right way towards the city of habitation. I 
sincerely wish your afflictions maybe sanctified, so as to work for you " a 
far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." I hope you may be so 
happy as to settle your children to your mind ; but I should not think 
they had fixed upon the most agreeable place. Yet contentment and in- 
dustry will, anywhere, answer the purposes of this life, which is, at best, 
but a short passage to a long eternity. 

The kind mention which you say you have heard made of me by your 
honorable friend is pleasingly flattering, as, from bis universal character, 
there are few men on earth of whose approbation I should be more am- 
bitious. The little services, if they may be termed services, in my power 
to render you when here a captive, gave me, I am confident, a much 
higher degree of pleasure than they could possibly afford you. That " it 
is more blessed to give than to receive " I have found to be true as often 
as God has given me a heart to make the experiment, and I hope he will 
give me more of that disposition. ^Whether I shall ever be gratified in 
my wishes to see the place of your nativity or not, I have yet to learn. 
At several different times I thought the point nearly decided ; but I am 
yet on the Hill at Providence, overwhelmed with cares. And though I 
think my services of little importance to the church and college, my breth- 
ren and masters, it seems, think my presence here of some importance to 
both. I have the satisfaction, however, to see my flock, both in the church 
and college, again collected, beyond what they have been since the war 
until lately. I have little to say of my success in the ministry. Yester- 
day I baptized three. The season was solemn. The audience is both 
large and attentive, and I hope among them are some inquiring souls. 
One of the members of college has lately, I hope, been brought to know 
the Lord. Our number of students is about thirty-five, with a prospect 
of increase. But as we are destitute of an adequate fund, this docs but 
increase my labors, as I am confined to constant teaching. 
30* 



354 MANNING AND Chap. VIIL 

The Lord is gracious to many parts of this land, in of late pouring out 
his Spirit upon the people. Mr. Gano has a rich blessing in New York. 
The eastern part of New Jersey is also visited. In Vermont there is a 
day of God's power, and so also in several of the interior parts of New 
England. May that glorious kingdom come over all the earth ! I long 
to hail the approach of the King of Zion, and I partly believe I shall live 
to see the accomplishment of at least some of the glorious things spoken 
of the city of God. 

By recent accounts from Kentucky, five hundred miles down the Ohio 
below Fort Pitt, I learn that God lias done and is still doing wonders in 
that wilderness. Seven or eight Baptist churches arc here settled, and a 
number of faithful but very unlettered ministers arc engaged in the har- 
vest. To spread the knowledge of the Eedeemer (who came preacliing 
in the wilderness of Judea) in the wilderness, has long been with me a 
desirable object. And with this view I have conceived a design, if pos- 
sible, of furnishing their untutored minds with books. My plan is to 
establish a library for the Baptist Association (to be established there tliis 
year) of sucli books as are best adapted to their situation, to qualifv' their 
ministers more thoroughly for their ministerial work, and to assist those 
young men of promising abilities for the ministry with useful knowledge 
before they enter on the work. With this view I am about to make col- 
lections of books in America, and I recommend the same to my corres- 
pondents in England, and request them to send them forward to the l?cv. 
Thomas Ustick, minister of the Baptist church at riiiladclphia, with a 
line to him informing him of the donors and the design. He will take 
charge of the same, till they can be safely forwarded to Kentucky, for 
the uses mentioned. Any services you can render in so good a cause 
will be kindly accepted. They are almost wholly, I am told, destitute of 
all kinds of books. I propose there shall be a book kept by the associa- 
tion, in whicli shall be entered the donors' names, and what they contrib- 
uted. You have my best wishes, in which Mrs. Manning joins. 

Your unworthy friend, 

James Manning. 

P. S. — Should I not have the pleasure to see you, please to present 
my Christian salutation to Mr. Thornton when you return. 



1784-1785. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 355 

TO THE REV. DR. EVANS. 

Providence, July 21, 1785. 
Dear Sir : 

Yours of 26th and 31st of January came to hand last month while I 
was in New York, the perusal of which gave me great pleasure, especially 
that paragraph which mentions the additions to the churches in Bristol. 
May you be so happy as to see the good work increase. Things, in ref- 
erence to religion, remain much as when I wrote last, except a greater 
attention paid to public worship. Lord's Day before last I baptised three 
persons. In several parts of New England the Lord is evidently at work. 
In Vermont there is a glorious shower of divine influence, as also in the 
city of New York and the eastern part of the Jerseys. My Brother Gano 
is greatly blessed, upwards of forty having of late been added to his 
church, among whom are two of his sons and one of his daughters. When 
I heard last from there the work was increasing. I had the pleasure of a 
short interview with Mr. Mullett in New York, and he twice or three 
times gave us the pleasure of his company, though but a short time, as 
he passed to and from Boston. He was kind enough to engage to trans- 
mit my letters safely to England. Your kind proffers of service to my- 
self or Mr. Stillman in soliciting for the college, should either of us be 
sent, are very acceptable, but we have yet had no advice on that subject 
from Dr. Stennett. Your account of the ideas of the Baptists with you, 
respecting literary institutions, are very similar to those of the American 
Baptists. We shall gladly receive the books you mention, and any oth- 
ers which you can spare, or procure for us. As there is no direct com- 
munication between Bristol and Providence, shall wish you to send them 
via New York, to the care of my brother-in-law, John Stites, merchant, 
at the corner of Queen and Chapel Streets in that city, with a line advis- 
ing him where to send them. I shall inform him of this advice to you, 
and request him to forward them immediately to me. Dr. Stennett's 
Discourses on Domestic Duties I have, and highly esteem them. I wish 
every family were possessed of the book. Mr. Booth's treatise on Bap- 
tism, and his tract on Church Communion, he was kind enough to present 
to me last year. Upon reading, I recommended it in almost the same 
words in which you mention it ; alleging that I thought it would super- 
sede the necessity of any future pubhcations on the subject. I wish it 
could be circulated throughout this continent, and am determined to use 
my endeavors for that purpose. I shall write him on this subject by this 



356 MANNING AND Chap. VIII. 

opportunity. The Association Letters, the sermon on Walking by Faith, 
and the fifth volume of Saurin's Sermons, all came safe to hand, for which 
I beg leave to present to you my hcart}^ thanks, and wish, in my turn, it 
were in my power to afford you equal pleasure by transmitting some valua- 
ble American publications, but this is a barren soil. The embarrassments 
of trade, especially in the New England States, open before us a gloomy 
prospect, producing an amazing stagnation of business, which must 
continue till new channels are opened, or the restrictions on the American 
trade ai'e taken off in the ports of Britain and France. Our merchants 
at present sink money by all the trade they drive. This renders it next to 
impossible to make remittances to Britain, as bills are eight per cent, above 
par. "Were it otherwise I should try to send over for some books on my 
own account ; especially for some of the publications of our ministers, in 
order to circulate them in this country ; and for the Encydopccdia Britan- 
nica, a book we expected in our catalogue, but it did not come. From 
the accounts we have had of it I presume it must be a work of the great- 
est utility. 

The college continues to increase gradually in the number of students, 
which at present is thirty-seven, one of whom, I have reason to believe, 
has been recently converted. I have long wished for an account of your 
Education Society, — the foundation, who are admitted and with what 
qualifications, tlie course of studies pursued, manner of teaching, time re- 
quired in completing the course, etc., etc., — but I fear I should be trouble- 
some to ask it of you. Some information on these subjects I received 
from my dear friend Mr. MuUett, but he referred me to ]\Ir. Evans, and, 
if I rightly recollect, mentioned a book published from whence I could 
draw this information. If giving this information should be troublesome, 
I do not wish it, as from your situation you cannot surely be in want of 
employment. One thing more I wish to mention, which is, that the new 
settlement of Kentucky, five hundred miles down the Ohio river below 
Fort Pitt, was first settled by Baptists. It now contains more* than thirty 
thousand souls. There are seven Baptist churches and eight ministers, 
who propose forming an association this year. They inform me that they 
are extremely destitute of books, and the ministers are illiterate, but wish 
for the means of information. I have proposed to my friends the estab- 
lishing of a library of some useful books for the Ijcnefit of the association, 
that the ministers and those who are candidates for the ministry may 
have the use of it ; and of it may I say the foundation of a seat of educa- 
tion. To this end I have written to my friends in different parts to 



1784-1785. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 3r>7 

collect what books they can, and send them to the care of Rev. Thomas 
Ustick, ministei' of the Baptist church in Philadelphia, to be ready to be 
sent forward by the first good conveyance. Could your ministering 
brethren in England be induced to send their works, they would compose 
an excellent library for this purpose. I find by a publication of a Pres- 
byterian, under the title of a History of Kentucky, that his denomination 
mean to monopolize nnd gain an establishment there in a literary way. 
We have in contemplation the putting in for a share. I have paid some 
attention to this subject, and don't mean to lose sight of it. Your assist- 
ance and influence in favor of this design Avili be the most acceptable. 
Charity should not, indeed, end at home. 

With sentiments of esteem, etc., 

James Manning. 

P. S. — It is proposed to have a book in the intended library, contain- 
ing the names of the donors, and the donations made by them, that pos- 
terity may know what attention the present generation paid to the dissem- 
inating useful knowledge in the wilderness. Whether the design succeeds 
or not, I shall have the satisfaction of attempting to do good ; and if I am 
not greatly deceived, a little laid out in this way will turn to good account. 
I mean to send them, if possible, soon, a person of our denomination to 
open a seminary amongst tliem ; and, indeed, were I not confined to the 
college, should spend, God willing, the next winter there myself. Bibles and 
religious books which arc printed to be distributed gratis amongst the poor, 
would be well bestowed thei-e, for the people are religiously disposed. Tiie 
fullest confidence may be placed in Mr. Ustick, that everything sent to 
his care will be forwarded to them. He is a man of principle. As the 
term of human life is so short, and the sphere of our activity so contracted, 
it behooves us to exert ourselves to fill it up, to the utmost, with acts of 
public utility, especially in promoting the interests of the Redeemer. 

Dr. Manning, as all his writings show, considered piety 
as the first and indispensable requisite in a minister. No 
degree of genius or of mental cultivation was allowed by 
him to compensate for the want of a heart renewed by 
the Holy Spirit, and moved to undertake the care of souls 
by the constraining love of Christ. He believed, never- 



358 MANNIXG AND Chap. Ylir. 

theless, in an educated ministry. How earnestly lie la- 
bored to secure this for the churches more especially of 
his own denomination, the College of Rhode Island and 
the Warren Association are perpetual witnesses. In these 
letters to Thomas Mackaness and Dr. Evans we have an 
illustration of his philanthropic efforts to enligliten the 
illiterate Baptist ministers of Kentucky, and to provide 
instruction for the rising generation in that then remote 
wilderness ; and this, too, when " overwhelmed," as he 
expresses it, with his own cares and duties. For a fuller 
development of his plans with reference to Kentucky, 
the reader is referred to a letter addressed to the Rev. 
Dr. Rippon, and dated July 22. Three years later we 
find Manning, according to Benedict, corresponding with 
the Baptists in Virginia, and encouraging them, through 
their established organizations, to found a seminary of 
learning for the special benefit of their rapidly-increasing 
numbers in that section of the country. 

During the year 1784 Dr. Manning, it appears, addressed 
a letter to the Hon. Granville Sharp, LL.D., of London, 
a zealous member of the Established Church, but liberal 
to Protestant Dissenters of all classes, and noted for his 
opposition to the American war. He was also distin- 
guished for his opposition to negro slavery, and for the 
zeal with which he engaged in various patriotic and phil- 
anthropic movements. His publications, which were nu- 
merous, he presented to the college library, with a set of 
the works of his grandfather. Dr. John Sharp, Archbishop 
of York. He subsequently sent other valuable presents 
to the library. The following letter was written in re- 
ply to Manning : — 



1784-1785. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 359 

Old Jewry, Lo^DO^^, 21st Feb., 1785. 
Eeverknd Sir : 

On the 22d iilt. I received your obliging letter of the 12th October, 
1784, by the hands of Mr. Drowne, who seems highly worthy of the ex- 
cellent character you gave me of him. • 

My best thanks are due to you for the satisfactory intelligence of the 
safe arrival of the books which I sent for the library of tlie college in 
Providence, and also for your full and explicit account of that very use- 
ful institution. 

Some additions have been made, I believe, to my tracts on Congrega- 
tional Courts since I sent the copies of them by Mr. Watson ; and there- 
fore I have now sent another copy for the college library, and one for 
yourself; though indeed the tract is still incomplete by the want of an 
index ; for I have not had leisure to revise and correct the index that 
has been made for it by a person wliom I employed for that purpose 
some time ago. 

Two of the additional tracts relate to the laying out of settlements on un- 
cultivated lands, — a subject of very important consideration to America ; 
for if care is not taken in these early timcsi before land becomes scarce, 
to reserve a due proportion of cottage-land, and common-land around 
eveiy town, as well as around new settlements, for the accommodation 
of poor industrious families, and also small portions of land for the main- 
tenance of schools and other public establishments, it will be very difficult, 
a few years hence, to procure land for such purposes. 

A well-regulated agrarian law would also be exceedingly beneficial to 
America to prevent monopolies of land ; for when large tracts of land 
are engrossed in a few hands, it necessarily occasions not only internal 
weakness, and an inability to defend a country against foreign invaders, 
but it also inevitably reduces to slavery the industrious laborers who cul- 
tivate the enormous tracts of the haughty overgrown landholders ; for 
this is the very foundation of the detestable aristocratical oppression and 
monarchial despotism in Russia, Poland, Bohemia, Germany, France, 
and all other countries under the unmerciful dominion of the two beasts 
of tyranny, which are now preparing themselves for a speedy retribution 
of the divine vengeance ! 

A mediocrity in the proportion of landed possessions in the hands of 
freeholders, together with an ample provision of cottage-lands for the la- 
boring poor, and common-lands for all other housekeepers, will certainly 
be most beneficial for every community; and such mediocrity of landed 



3G0 MANNING AND Chap. VIII. 

possessions may be gradually obtained, without injury to the rights of 
the present possessors, by restraining inheritances to an equal distribu- 
tion in gavel-kind amongst all the sons of landholders ; or, if the first- 
born is to be allowed a preference, it should be only to the amount of a 
certain limited number of acres (as many as shall be deemed a reasonable 
competence for an independent gentleman), and the overplus to be divided 
amongst the nearest of kin, whose possessions are below the said limited 
competence of landed inheritance, unless the remainder of the land be 
otherwise legally disposed of, by the will and testament of the late pos- 
sessor. 

The inheritances of heiresses should also be subject to the same limita- 
tions ; so that if the husband has the legal competence of land already 
in his own right, the mother's estate should be reserved for the eldest 
son ; but to be held by the latter, when of age, no longer than during his 
father's life; with an option, however, to give up either his father's or 
mother's inheritance to the younger children. By this means the over- 
grown possessions would be soon reduced to reasonable competences, 
and the number of substantial, independent landholders would be greatly 
increased, for tlie general security of the country, wherever such regula- 
tions shall take place. This Avould set bounds to t])e insatiable thirst of 
realizing, which prompts some thrifty men to " lay house to house and 
field to field ; " for they would be compelled, by a just agrarian law, to 
find some more beneficial mode of employing their superfluous wealth, 
and the most avaricious of them would undoubtedly be induced to em- 
ploy it in trade, which would greatly promote the extension of commerce, 
and consequently the welfare of the whole community, I have enclosed 
a copy of a letter which I wrote to a friend of the Abbe de Mably, to 
show that the defects which he observed in some of the American con- 
stitutions would be efiectually remedied by the ancient system of Frank- 
pledge (as described in my last work), which was manifestly the polity 
of the commonwealth of Israel whilst under the theocracy ; for the same 
arrangement of the people into exact numerical divisions of tithings, 
hundreds, and thousands, were then ordained as a part of their political 
constitutions, though it was even at that time too frequently neglected ; 
where])y the peoj)le fell into confusion and anarchy, and " every man did 
what seemed right in his own eyes." But this was not occasioned by 
any defect in the constitution itself, but merely by the neglect of it ; for I 
know of no other method but this, if duly maintained by annual renewal, 
whereby liberty, equal right, and national security can be so effectually 
supported. 



1784-1785. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 361 

Probably what I have written concerning the popular right of electing 
bishops (see tract No. 5) may seem superfluous, as well to yourself as 
to some other learned professors of divinity, who have not been educated 
in an Episcopal Church ; nevertheless, it is a subject worthy your consid- 
eration, especially as it will be found that the most important objections 
that have usually been made by Protestant Dissenters to the order of 
bishops, would be effectually removed by the restoration of popular right 
in the election of them ; and that all danger of tumults in such elections 
would be obviated by electing two of the most eminent presbyters, of un- 
impeachable morality and virtue, whose appointment to the dignity 
should be decided by lot, after solemn prayer by the whole congregation, 
according to the apostolic example related in Acts 1. 15-26. I remain, 
with due respect and esteem, reverend sir, 

Your most obedient, humble servant, 

Granville Sharp. 

To this letter Manning replies : — 

Providence, State op Rhode Island, July 26, 1785. 
Dear Sir : 

In May last, just before I left Providence for New York and Philadel- 
phia, I received by the ship London your most acceptable letters of Feb. 
21, 22, as also the copy of your letter to a friend of the Abbe de Mably, 
dated Dec. 30, 1784, and your letter of March 4, 1785, together Avith the 
two copies of your last work on Congregational Courts. As the Hope 
had a long passage, I received the letters and books by the London first, 
but the duplicates by the Hope came safe. I have complied and shall 
comply literally with your desire of making them public. Your letter re- 
lating to ecclesiastical matters, after perusal, I communicated to my min- 
istering brethren of the Episcopal Church in my vicinity, who took a copy 
of it. I then took it to New York and communicated it to some of the 
members of Congress ; lent it to Dr. Provost, the rector, who desired lib- 
erty to copy it, which I granted him, withal requesting Iiim to communi- 
cate it to his brethren. He proposed doing so, and laying It before the 
convention of the Episcopal clergy of Virginia and New York inclusive, 
to meet in September next at the city of Philadelphia. Two weeks since, 
I received from General Knox, via Boston, Archbishop Sharp's Sermons 
and Works, in seven volumes, with two volumes of Sharp on Congrega- 
tional Courts. The General informed mo that by some accident they had 
31 



362 MANNING AND Chap. VIII. 

been wet. Tliis had marred the beauty of the binding, but had not in- 
jured the print. No letter accompanied them, but I presume they were 
designed for the library, where I shall place them. The kind attention of 
Mr. Sharp to this college has laid me and the friends of it under great 
obligations, which I beg leave most heartily to acknowledge, by returning 
him, as well in behalf of the college as myself, our united thanks. Shall 
comply with your wishes respecting Bishop Wilson's works, whenever 
they may arrive. Your treatise on Frank-pledge, with that on Congrega- 
tional Courts, I handed to the Plon. Messrs. Howell and Ellery, mem- 
bers of Congress for this State ; but they had fixed upon the plan of lay- 
ing out the back lands before my arrival. As I was pleased with your 
ideas on that subject, I strongly recommended to them an examination, 
and an adoption of your plan where it would be an improvement upon 
theirs. I mean by this opportunity to furnish you with their publication 
on this subject, if I can procure it. I thank you for the interest you feel 
in the welfare and future happiness of America, and for your generous 
and benevolent exertions to promote the same. These exertions I doubt 
not will meet a due reward from the supreme Judge and Rewarder of 
merit. Your publications are highly approved by the gentlemen of my 
acquaintance. To point out an inadequate mode of defending the rights 
without laying a foundation for subverting the liberties of mankind, is, in 
my view, the great desideratum of government, and I have yet seen noth- 
ing which promises fairer to accomplish this than your scheme, a part of 
which, at least, I expect will be adopted by tlie United States. 

I concur with you in sentiment exactly concerning the importance of a 
mediocrity in the proportion of landed possessions in the hands of free- 
holders. It is the real strength of a nation, and most agreeable to the 
dictates of reason and the rights of man. In New England a system was 
adopted when the country was first settled, which remains in full vigor to 
this day ; so that it is hard to find many here in the extremes of poverty 
or wealth. It was this spirit which, in the last war, captivated British 
armies, or repelled them from their borders, as it is calculated to dis- 
seminate knowledge and the love of liberty throughout the whole commu- 
nity. Many if not most of tlie States have enacted laws by wliich the es- 
tates of those who die intestate shall be equally divided amongst all the 
surviving children, l)otli male and female, or at most give the oldest son 
but two shares. In consequence of this many people make no other will, 
but appoint executors to execute that which the law has made for them. 
This is a guard against the danger arising from overgrown estates, as 



178i-178-l. BliOWN UNIVERSITY. 363 

many who devise them by will or otherwise conform, nearly, to what the 
law points out as equitble. This renders an agrarian law in a measure 
unnecessary. 

For your friendship and assistance afforded Mr. Drowne, I thank you, 
and shall be happy, in my turn, to testify my readiness to repay the kind- 
ness. I have the pleasure to inform you that tlie college at Providence 
daily increases in reputation and number of students. Some valuable 
though small additions have been lately made to our library, which con- 
sists now of upwards of two thousand volumes. The prospects from this 
counfry of augmenting our funds, so as to establish an adequate number 
of professors, from the decay of trade and the scarcity of money are at 
present rather gloomy ; but we hope some generous benefactors may yet 
arise and obviate this difficulty. 

I have the pleasure to inform j'ou that there is an evident alteration for 
the better in the morals of the people throughout this country. Religion 
too begins again to raise her drooping head ; and what affords me peculiar 
satisfaction is, that a spirit of moderation prevails beyond what has been 
known since the first settlement of New England. The various denomi- 
nations of Christians are cultivating a spirit of brotherly love by an un- 
reserved intercourse with each other. Among the many mischievous con- 
sequences resulting from the late war, we arc happy to find that the 
prevalence of a spirit of toleration, and a more general knowledge of the 
doctrine of religious liberty, in some measure counterbalance them. 

That you may long live to promote tlie great interests of mankind by 
your shining abilities and indefatigable labors, and have the happiness to 
see the good effects of them on society, and at last be admitted to receive 
an ample reward of all your labors in the regions of bliss, is the ardent 
wish of, dear sir. 

Your sincere friend and very humble servant, 

James Manning. 

TO THE EEV. DE. RIPPON. 

Providence, July 22, 1785. 
My dear Brother: 

Yours of Dec. 24, 1784, came to hand last month, together with tlie 
pamphlet occasioned by the death of that eminent man, Dr. Giff'ord, for 
which please accept my best thanks. That of Feb. 23, 1785, came by the 
Hope, together with the acceptable presents of Deacon Shepherd and Rev. 



364 MANNING AND Chap. YIII. 

John Ryland, for which, in the name of the college, please to present 
them my most cordial thanks. This should have been done by the cor- 
poration, had a meeting of that body been held since. I am greatly 
pleased, as well as instructed, by both those valuable works, though my 
attention has been of late so much taken up in other ways that I can 
command but little time for reading. With you I regret your want of 
timely information of the catalogue of books sent for the college ; and I 
make no doubt of your being both able and willing to have made a con- 
siderable saving for the college. Had I been then as well acquainted 
with your character as I have been since, I should have addressed you on 
that subject. We did then, as we thought, the best we could do ; but my 
expectations were disappointed, I confess, in the price of the books. 
Should we ever.be so fortunate as to have more money to lay out in that 
Avay, which I see but little prospect of, we shall take the Jiberty to solicit Mr. 
Rippon's assistance. I am pleased to hear that Dr. Gill's Exposition is 
to be completed. Many of them arc now wanted ; but the difficulty of 
making remittances from New England, and the inconceivable scarcity of 
cash, have almost put an end to business. New channels of trade will 
probably soon open, but not, I fear, before many of our mercantile people 
are ruined. I rejoice to hear that the cause of religion is on the advance 
in your churches, and that our denomination increases in some of the 
counties. Mr. Evans gives me agreeable information from Bristol of con- 
siderable additions to two of our churches in the city. 

And though stupidity greatly prevails in general, we still have some 
agreeable revivals in different parts on this continent. The wilderness of 
Vermont still continues to blossom as the rose. New York and the east- 
ern part of New Jersey are blessed Avith a joyful harvest. My Brother 
Gano appears to be the princii)al instrument wliom God honors in that 
city, so lately filled with violence. Three of his own cliihlreu are in the 
number of converts ; and if I augur rightly, one of his sons, a doctor,^ 



1 The Rev. Stephen Gano, M.D. lie was born in the city of New York, Dec. 
2Fj, 1762, being the third son of the Rev. John Gano. At the age of thirteen he 
was placed under the care of his maternal uncle, Dr. Stites, to be educated for 
the medical profession. Having made honorable proficiency in his studies, he 
received an ai)pointment as surgeon in the army, and entered the public service. 
He was at tliis time nineteen years old. His mother, who had been the princii)al 
agent in procuring for him the ni)pointment, having buckled on his regimentals, 
Raid to him as they parted, concealing her tears, "My son, may (iod preserve 
your life and your patriotism ; — the one may be sacriliced iu retaking and pre- 



1784-1785. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 365 

must preach Christ to others. Uj)wards of forty have been lately added, 
and the work, by late information, is on the increase. Grace reigns also 
in several places in New England. Some drops have, in mercy, fallen on 
Providence. Three I baptized Lord's Day sennight. Public worship is 
better attended than since the war, in our meeting. I should be happy to 
receive a letter from Mr. Rippon on spiritual things, but business, at 
proper times, calls for our attention. I thank you for your kind attention 
to Mr. Drowne, as he is modest to an excess. And since you cannot com- 
mand, or at least make use of the wings of a dove to visit America, what 
think you of substituting in their place those of a ship ? I Avould engage 
that you should have the fervent prayers of many of your American friends 
for a safe and speedy passage, and a most kindly welcome to these western 
shores ; and withal I have prr pared you a lodginrj, which (as a minister once 
said of his bed), if homely, is a sincere one. I am confident no house in 
your capital would please me better than Mr. Rippon's, shoultl I ever be 
permitted to visit your country : nor should any be preferred to it as a 
home ; but I almost give over the expectations of seeing my English 



serving the home of your childhood ; but let me never hear that you have for- 
feited the birthright of a freeman." He continued in the service two years, and 
then retired to settle as a physician in Tappan, now Orangetowu, New York. 
Soon after his conversion he was impressed with the idea that it was his duty to 
preach the gospel. He was accordingly ordained in the Gold Street Church, 
New York, his father and President Manning participating in the exercises of 
the occasion. This was on the 2d of August, 1786. He at once engaged in mis- 
sionary labors on the Hudson, and wherever he went his preaching awakened 
a-deep interest. He was successively pastor of the Baptist church at Hillsdale 
and at Hudson. In 1792 he received an invitation to become the pastor of the 
Baptist church in Providence, Avhich invitation he accepted. Some members of 
the society, it is understood, at first objected to his being the pastor of a church 
whose relations with the college were so intimate, on the ground that he had 
never himself received a collegiate education. These objections, however, were 
soon removed, and the most cordial and friendly relations were established be- 
tween himself and his people. Here he continued during the remainder of his 
useful life. He died on the 18th of August, 1828, in the sixty-seventh year of his 
age, greatly beloved and respected throughout the entire community. The event 
was immediately made known by the tolling of the city bells, and the children 
Avho were assembled in the several schools were dismissed, out of respect to his 
memory. His funeral was attended by an immense concourse of people, and a 
sermon appropriate to the occasion was preached by the Rev. Dr. Sharp, of 
Boston. 
During his pastorate of thirty-eight years Dr. Gano was permitted to witness 

31* 



SG6 MANNING AND Chap. Till 

brethren till I meet them above, the prospect of which often gives me 
pleasure. There I hope to see and converse with the whole family at 
home, without the aid or necessity of pen and ink.. In the mean time I feel 
my obligations to diligence in the business of my holy calling, that I may 
be found ready. 

The college still increases, though gradually. Our number is thirty- 
seven ; one of whom, I hope, has been called by grace. Last week we 
buried our venerable chancellor, Stephen Hopkins, Esq., LL.D , for many 
years Governor of the Colony, and one of those distinguished worthies 
who composed the First Congress. He was one of the greatest men our 
country has reared. At the first meeting of the corporation he was chosen 
chancellor, and continued in the office till his death. In him the college 
has lost a most valuable member and officer, and I myself a particular 
friend. Mr. Van Horn has obtained something for the college by his so- 
licitations in Pennsylvania and Xew Jersey, in which business he is still 
employed. I carried in May last an application to Congress, by a memo- 
rial, etc., for compensation for the rents and damages done the college by 



many signal manifestations of the divine power and presence. In one year he 
baptized one hundred and forty -seven converts, swelling the number of church 
communicants to six hundred and forty-eight. As an evidence of his general 
usefulness, it may be mentioned, that for nineteen consecutive years he pre- 
sided as moderator at the meetings of the Warren Association. " lie had," says 
the Rev. Dr. Jackson, " a fine, commanding ligurc, being more than six feet iu 
stature, and every way well proportioned. His voice was full, sonorous, and 
altogether agreeable. Ilis manner was perfectly artless and unstudied. lie had 
great command of language, and could speak with fluency and appropriateness, 
with little or no premeditation. Ilis discourses were eminently experimental." 
Dr. Gano Avas married on the 25th of October, 1782, to Cornelia, daughter of 
Capt. Josiah Vavasor, of the city of New York, By her he had two sons and 
two daughters. On the 4th of August, 1789, he was a second time married to 
Polly, daughter of Col. Tallmadge, of New York. By this marriage there were 
also four children, three daughters and one son. His third wife was Mary, 
daughter of Hon. Joseph Brown, by whom he had one daughter, Mrs. Eliza B. 
Eogcrs. In 1801 he was married to Mrs. Joanna Latting, of Hillsdale, N. Y., 
who survived him many years. Of his !<ix daughters, four have manicd clergy- 
men ; namely, the Ilev. John llolroyd, the Kev. Fetor Ludlow, the Rev. Dr. Ben- 
edict, and the Rev. Dr. Jackson. Dr. Gano was an honored and useful member 
of the Masonic fraternity, having been initiated in Mount Yernou Lodge, Prov- 
idence, on the 10th of July, 1801. Twenty-live years afterwards (Jan. f), 182G), he, 
in company with the late Right Rev. Bi.'^Jioi) Griswold, took the Knight Tem- 
plar's degree iu the Providence Encampment. 



1784-1785. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 367 

the troops during the war, but have as yet got nothing done. The pa- 
pers were read and a committee appointed while I was there, before whom 
we had a hearing, and their promise of a speedy report ; but I fear little is 
to be expected from that quarter. 

In the new settlement of Kentucky, five hundred miles down the Ohio 
below Fort Pitt, I am credibly informed that there are upwards of thirty 
thousand inhabitants, amongst whom are seven Baptist churches and eight 
ministers ; that the people incline much to be of our denomination ; that 
the ministers are not only very illiterate, but that there is not a person of 
our pei-suasion capable of teaching even the languages amongst them ; 
and that they have a desire to enjoy the means of education, more es- 
pecially as the Presbyterians, though greatly inferior in numbers, and 
Liter on the ground, appear to be manoeuvering to avail themselves of 
advantages from being fii-st in promoting literature in that quarter. I 
conjectured this from reading a pamphlet, written by one of that society, 
giving an account of the first settlement of that country. Accordingly 
I wrote my thoughts on the subject to our Western ministers, withal re- 
questing them to possess themselves of the best information they could get 
before the next Association at Philadelphia to be held in October, that some- 
thing might be done to encourage them. Since then I am informed that 
tiicy propose establishing an association there this year. With a view to 
assist them, I have proposed the raising of a small library, of such books 
as may be more immediately serviceable to the ministers, and those who 
arc candidates for the ministry, and am using my endeavors to procure 
what books I can for that purpose in America. But as I expect the con- 
tributions will be small, I greatly wish for the assistance of our English 
friends. The proposal is to forward the books to the Rev. Thomas 
Ustick, Baptist minister in Philadelphia, to be forwarded by the first 
good opportunity ; that a book shall be kept in which the names of the 
contributors shall be enrolled, with an account of their donations, that 
posterity may know what exertions were made, and by whom, to propa- 
gate knowledge and religion in that wilderness. I mean to have this 
library under such regulations as that it may form the basis of a literary 
institution there. Those of our ministers who are able, by contributing 
their works, would greatly assist in laying this foundation ; and I 
doubt not that posterity will rise up and call them blessed. If you think 
well of this proposal, I doubt not but you will be willing to lend your 
influence to carry it into effect. I mean not only to propose, but, accord- 
ing to my ability, assist in this matter ; and also to promote, as far as 



3G8 MANNING AND Cii u>. VIII. 

possible, an academy amongst them, in which I liave some prospect of 
succeeding. As I shall not write on this subject to any but Mr. Evans 
and yourself, I would thank you to mention it where and to whom you 
think proper. Those Bibles and religious books printed by societies to 
be distributed among the poor, would be well bestowed there at present. 
I shall be happy on all occasions and by every opportunity to receive a 
line from Mr. Rippon. With sentiments of esteem, 

I am yours, in Jesus, 

James Manning. 



Dr. Manning's brief euloginm upon his " particular 
friend " Governor Hopkins, tlie first chancellor of the 
college, was well deserved. This great and good man 
closed his long, honorable, and useful life on the loth of 
July, 1785, in the seventy-ninth year of his age. "From 
the vigor of his understanding, and the intuitive energy 
of his mind, he had established," says his biographer, " a 
character not only prominent in the annals of his country, 
but in the walks of literature. Possessing a commanding 
genius, his constant and assiduous application in tlie pur- 
suit of knowledge eminently distinguished him in the first 
class of literati. A leading and activcpromoter of literary 
and scientific intelligence, he attaclied himself in early 
youth to the study of books and men, and continued to 
be a constant and improving reader, a close and careful 
observer, until the period of his death. Holding all 
abridgments and abridgers in very low estimation, it is 
cited, in exemplification of his habitual deep research, and 
the indefiitigability with which he penetrated the recesses, 
instead of skimming the surface of things, that instead of 
depending upon summaries and concentrated authorities, 
he perseveringly })erused the whole of the great collection 
of ancient and modern history, com])iled about half a cen- 
tury ago, by some distinguished scholars in ]^]uro[)e ; and 



1784-1785. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 369 

that be also read through all of Thurloe's and other pon- 
derous collections of state papery." Governor Hopkins 
professed the principles of the society of Friends, at 
whose places of worship he was a regular attendant. He 
was a firm believer in the Christian religion, but not big- 
oted in his belief, treating all societies of religious people 
with respect. As we have before stated, he was a warm 
friend of the college, and labored zealously to promote 
its interests. 

The following brief letter from the Rev. Dr. Evans, 
conveys the pleasing intelligence that the books, to which 
allusion has already been made, had been voted to the 
college by the Bristol Education Society : — 

Bristol, Sept. 5, 1785. 
Dear Sir : 

I take this opportunity, by my worthy young friend Mr. Waldo, of in- 
forming you that at our late annual meeting of the Education Society 
here, Aug. 24, I obtained a vote in favor of your college, respecting the 
many valuable books we have to dispose of, and am empowered to send 
such as I may approve of. I shall take an early opportunity of doing 
this, and when received shall hope for the favor of a line from you. 

I have also to request the favor of a diploma of M. A. for my wortliy 
colleage, the Rev. James Newton, a gentleman whose sound learning and 
amiable character will do more honor to the title than the title will do to 
him. He is totally ignorant of this application, nor should I have made 
it but that it hurt me to think so worthy a man should appear to be neg- 
lected, whilst Mr. Hall and myself, who are connected with him in the 
academy, and esteem it sufficient honor to be his equals, are each of us 
graduated. And by a late regulation our names will all appear very con- 
spicuously in our Museum. 

I write this in haste, and remain, with eveiy wish friendship can dic- 
tate for the happiness of you and all your extensive connections, dear 
sir, your affectionate 

Friend and brother, 

Caleb Evans. 



370 MANNING AND Chap. VIII. 

This donation — consisting of Walton's Biblio Sacra 
Polyglotta with Castell's Lexicon, in 8 vols, folio ; Bayle's 
Dictionary, 5 vols, folio ; Chambers' Cyclopaedia, 2 vols, 
folio ; several Fathers of the church, and standard works 
in science, history, and literature — was received early the 
following year. Such evidences of kind feeling on the part 
of those with whom this country had so recently been at 
war, must have been highly gratifying at the time, as they 
most certainly are even at the present day. This society 
was founded in the year 1780, in aid of the Baptist 
Academy at Bristol, " to the end that dissenting con- 
gregations, especially of the Baptist denomination, in any 
part of the British dominions, may be more effectually 
supplied with a succession of able and evangelical minis- 
ters." The society has been eminently useful. It is now 
in the possession of a very valuable library, containing the 
collection of books, paintings, etc., of the Rev Dr. An- 
drew Gilford, for many years sub-librarian of the British 
Museum, and the library of Thomas Llewelyn, LL.D. 

Providence, Sept. 9, 1785. 
To THE Honorable David Howell, 

Member of Congress in New York : 

Sir : — At the annual meeting of the corporation yesterday, we were 
appointed a committee to address you, in their name, on the subject of their 
petition to Congress for an allowance for rents, and for damages done the 
edifice while occupied by the public, which is so justly due to them ; and 
to request you to exert yourself to bring that business to an issue as 
speedily and fiivorably as possible before you leave Congress ; more es- 
pecially as they expect to have no member to succeed you who will have 
it in his power or in his inclination to serve the interests of the college 
equal to its secretary. 

It is imagined that your intimacy and interest with the committee ap- 
pointed to report on our petition, will enable you, before the report is 



1784-1785. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 371 

made, to discover what will be the tenor of it. Of this advantage we wish 
you to avail yourself; and, should it wear an unfavorable aspect, prevent 
its being made. Such a report might preclude us from ever obtaining 
any allowance from our own Legislature; but if the petition is either 
pending before Congress, or the prayer of it rejected by them, our prospects 
of assistance and relief from this quarter will be very unpromising, how- 
ever they might prove otherwise. 

You may rely that this is, by your best friends here, considered as a 
matter of no small importance ; and they believe that your interest in 
Congress can even obtain the prayer of our petition, if it is in any wise 
practicable ; and they also think that it will be no inconsiderable acces- 
sion to that rich harvest of honor which, as a delegate of this State, you 
have already reaped. With sentiments of esteem, we subscribe ourselves. 
Your friends and fellow-citizens, 

James Manning, 1 

John Brown, \ Committee. 

Enos Hitchcock, 



I 

J 



On Saturday, Dec. 3, of this year, the Hon. Joseph 
Brown, LL.D., of whose sickness Manning in his corres- 
pondence makes mention, died at his house, in the fifty- 
second year of his age. " His funeral," says liis obituary, 
" was attended by a numerous train of mourning relatives, 
and the most respectable inhabitants of the town, and a 
discourse suitable to the occasion was delivered by Dr. 
Manning The Faculty and students joined the pro- 
cession as mourners, and felt the loss of a MaBcenas." His 
character and life we have already given in our sketches 
of the Brown family. 

We close this chapter with a correspondence between 
Manning and John Gill, a goldsmith of London. It re- 
lates principally to the publications of the Rev. Dr. John 
Gill,^ and will on this account be found interesting. The 

1 This distinguished Baptist divine died ut bis house at Camberwell, Oct. 14, 
1771, in the seventy-fifth year of his age. lie was pastor of the Baptist church 



372 MANNING AND Chap. VIII. 

last letter contains a pleasant bibliographical "morceau," 
which the editor of the forthcoming edition of Backus's 
Ecclesiastical History will note in his book of references. 

London, March 13, 1784. 
Reverend Sir : 

I take the liberty to inform you of the death of Mr. George Keith, ^ book- 
seller in London. He died Dec. 4, 1782, and left me his sole executor. 



aiul congregation at Horselydown Soutbwark, near London, for iifty-one 
years. The following is a list of Iiis published writings, all of which are to be 
found in the library of the University, having been bequeathed to tlie college by 
the author (see Chap. IV. p. 199): (1.) Ancient Mode of Baptizing by Immer- 
sion maintained. 8vo. London, 1726. (2.) Defense of Ancient Mode of Baptiz- 
ing by Immersion. 8vo. London, 1727. (3.) Exposition of Solomon's Song. Fo- 
lio. London, 1728. A fourth edition of this work was published in 18C5, in two 
octavo volumes. (4.) Trophecies respecting the Messiah fulfilled in Jesus. 8vo. 
London, 1728. (5.) The Cause of God and Truth (in answer to Dr. Whitby on 
the Five Points). 4 vols. 8vo. London, 1735-8. A fifth edition was published in 
1838, in one octavo volume. (6.) Exposition of the New Testament. 3 vols, folio. 
London, 1746-8. (7.) Exposition of the Old Testament. 6 vols, folio. London, 
1748-63. A new edition of both Testaments, with a memoir by Dr. Rippon, and a 
portrait, was published in 1816, in nine volumes quarto. Vol. I. of another edi- 
tion was published in 1852, in royal octavo, and the Old Testament was published 
by Collingridge, of London, in 1854, in six royal octavo volumes. (8.) Anti-l'edo- 
baptism. 8vo. London, 1753. (9.) The Argument from Apostolical Tradition in 
favor of Infant-Baptism considered. The third edition of this was published in 
1765, in octavo. (10.) Dissertation on the Antiquity of the Hebrew Language, 
Letters, etc. 8vo. London, 1767. (11.) A Body of Doctrinal and I'ractical Di- 
vinity. 3 vols. 4to. London, 1769-70. Tliis has gone through several editions, the 
latest of which was published in 1839, in two volumes octavo. (12.) Sermons and 
Tracts, with memoirs of the author. 2 vols. 4to. London. 1773. A new edition 
of Gill's Sermons, in three volumes octavo, has appeared. In addition to the list 
here given, Dr. Gill published many occasional sermons and tracts on Baptism, 
most of which are in the college library. 

" If any man," says the Ilev. Augustus Toplady, of the Episcopal Church, " can 
be suppo.sed to have trod the whole circle of human learning, it was Dr. Gill. 
While true religion and sound learning have a single friend in the British empire, 

tlie works and name of Dr. Gill will be precious and revered Witli a 

solidity of judgment and with an aculenc.ss of discernment peculiar to few, he 
exhausted, as it were, the very soul and substance of most .arguments lie un- 
dertook." 

1 Mr. Keitli was a brother-in-law of the writer, having married his sister Mary, 
daughter of the Ilev. Dr. Gill. ^ 



1784-1785. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 373 

I find by his books that you stand mdebted to his estate £2 9s. 9d., which 
I doubt not you will honorably discharge. At the same time, I beg leave 
to acquaint you that I have several sets of Dr. Gill's New Testament, five 
volumes quarto, at £3 15s. each set, in boards. According to the propo- 
sals at first delivered out, subscribers for six sets to have a seventh, I am 
willing to dispose of them on these terms, or, if a less number is wanted, 
will allow twenty per cent, on delivery, payable by a merchant or trader 
in London, There is also the Old Testament in quarto, begun by Mr. 
Keith, but I cannot get any bookseller in London to complete it. It be- 
gins with Genesis and ends with the 132d Psalm, in six volumes. These I 
have to dispose of at £1 16s. The subscription price was £4 10s., or 15s. 
each volume. Also some few sets of the Doctor's tracts, collected together 
and printed in three volumes quarto, with memoirs of his life, at £1 16s., 
or 12s. each volume. Also his Cause of God and Truth, and his Exposition 
of Solomon's Song, at 12s. each volume, all printed on the same size and 
paper as the New Testament. As I wish to promote the sale of the Doc- 
tor's works in America, on that account I have charged them at a low 
price, when the discount proposed is considered. A line directed for me 
to be left at Mr. Ash's, bookseller. No. 15 Little Tower Street, AvilLbc con- 
veyed to me. I am, reverend sir, with all due respect. 
Your humble servant, 

John Gill. 

Providence, July 9, 1784. 
Sir: — Yours of March 13 reached me the last month. I had be- 
fore heard of the death of Mr. George Keith, and sympathize with you 
and the family in the loss. I had no knowledge of a balance due to him 
till I received your letter, as I had many years ago given orders to a 
friend of mine, whom I have not since seen, to pay the balance, if any 
remained due. By this conveyance goes a letter from Mr. Backus to Mr. 
Henry Kane, executor to Mr. Wallin, to pay you the sum of £2 9s. 9d. 
on my account, as he had money in Mr. Wallin's hands. If you will 
please call on him he will doubtless discharge the debt. Of this please to 
advise me by the first opportunity. I shall be extremely sorry if the 
edition of Dr. Gill's Bible in quarto cannot be completed, as I had sold 
my former set, in full confidence that I should soon be able to replace 
mine from this edition. Others here wish to purchase, but they also wish 
to have the work complete. They especially wish for his Exposition of 
the Prophets. "Would it not be better for your family to complete the 
32 



374 MANNING AND Chap. VIII. 

Avork, than to lose in a great measure the sale of what is already done, 
and deprive the world of such a valuable treasure 1 I have on hand some 
of all the rest of his works you mention ; besides, at present it is ex- 
tremely difficult to make remittances to England, as the mercantile affairs 
of the country have been so long and so greatly deranged ; to which I 
may add the great inattention, in general, to reading books on religious 
subjects, — the natural consequence, perhaps, of such a kind of war as that 
in which we have been involved. This, it is to be hoped, will soon alter 
for the better, when I shall watch every opportunity of making Dr. G ill's 
works as much known as possible. This I have hitherto ever had in view, 
and it Avas no inconsiderable motive in parting with his Exposition, above 
mentioned. I was lately desired to inquire whether those editions com- 
plete could be obtained in England, by a gentleman who wishes to pur- 
chase them. The state of religion amongst our denomination in America 
appears rather on the gaining hand, as there are revivals in many of the 
cimrches. The college, too, although greatly injured by the war, prom- 
ises soon to regain its former state. The government of it, through the 
smallness of its funds and the great repairs necessary, find themselves 
amazingly embarrassed, and consequently wish for every assistance from 
the friends of the institution, from ever quarter. I am, sir. 
Your friend and servant, 

James Manning. 

London, Oct. 14, 1784. 
Sir : — I received yours in the month of August last. Have applied 
to Mr. Kane, Mr. "Wallin's executor, who informs me that he has no 
money in hand for Mr. Backus. Mr. Backus sent seventy copies of his 
Ilistory of the Baptists, wJiich never came to the late Mr. Wallin. Mr. 
Kane intends to acquaint Mr. Backus of his disappointment. I am 
much obliged to you, sir, for the great regard and kind intentions expressed 
in your letter of promoting the sale of Dr. Gill's works among your 
friends. I have now the pleasure to inform you that the quarto edition 
of the Old Testament will be completed. It is now in the press, and will 
be finished witli all convenient speed. What was contained in my former 
letter is now set aside, not having any of the Old Testament to sell at the 
price therein mentioned. What I have will now be wanted to complete 
sets. I can supply you with a set of the folio edition at ten guineas, and 
also a set of the Prophets at two guineas. I shall be glad to hear that 
religion is in a flourishing state among you, that the churches of Clu-ist 



1784-1785. BROVV'X UNIVERSITY. 375 

are increasing,, and that you, sir, may again see that seminary of learning 
over which you have the honor to preside retrieve its former state, and be 
attended with all the success and usefulness desirable. I am, sir, with great 
esteem. 

Your obliged, humble servant, 

John Gill. 

Providence, July 24, 1785. 
Dear Sir : 

Yours of Oct. 14, 1784, came to hand in May, since which I have had 
no opportunity of sending you an answer. Soon after the reception of it 
I saw Mr. Backus, who had received the information you mention respect- 
ing his books, but informed me that he expected still to obtain them, by 
getting information of the captain who carried them ; but should he be 
disappointed in his expectations, he had sent a considerable number of 
the second volume of his History, from the net proceeds of which he had 
ordered you paid, so that I expect, by or before the an-ival of this, your 
money will be ready for you. He engaged to write you that you might 
know on whom to call. I am sorry for the disappointment, but hope your 
money is safe. I am rejoiced to hear that the Doctor's Old Testament is 
to be completed, and you may be assured that what little influence I pos- 
sess shall be employed in the sale of his works. But such at present is 
the scarcity of money, and difficulty of making remittances to Great 
Britain, by the high price of bills, that business is almost entirely stag- 
nated. "We hope, however, for better times. I thank you for your kind 
expressions of regai-d for the college with which I am connected. Great 
indeed have been the damages which it sustained by the war, for which 
hitherto we have received no compensation ; nor are our prospects of it in 
future very flattering. The institution, under all its disadvantages, begins 
to flourish, and the number of students increases as fast as might be rea- 
sonably expected. Religion too begins amongst us to hold up its head. 
In sevei-al parts there are great revivals, some account of which I have 
mentioned to Mr. Rippon in a letter of this date. Should my expectations 
of discharging that balance, through Mr. Backus, be again disappointed^ 
upon advice from you I will take measures which will prove effectual to 
accomplish it. With sentiments of esteem, I am, sir. 

Your humble servant, 

James Manning. 



37 G MANNING AND BROWN UNIVERSITY. Chap. Till. 

London, March 28, 1786. 
Reverend Sir : 

A letter of yours, dated July 24, 1785, was not received by me until 
about the middle of December. I should be glad when favored with 
another letter from you, to be informed by whom it was conveyed to me, 
as no name was mentioned to whom I might apply for the small sum you 
expected to be paid me by some person in London. I am surprised to 
find Mr. Backus has not heard what became of the first volume of his 
History of the Baptists. Last summer a Mr. Thomas saw a sheet of his 
History brought into a house where he was, wrapped around a pound of 
cheese or butter. Mr. Thomas went immediately and purchased all the 
paper relating to that History the chcesc-monger had ; since which I am 
informed he has received the second volume, and now makes complete 
sets. Whether this is done for his own emolument, or whether he intends 
it for Mr. Backus's advantage, I cannot tell. Honor and justice seem to 
decide it in favor of Mr. Backus. But as I have no acquaintance with 
Mr. Thomas, I can say no further about it. 

I. am sorry to inform you that the printer who had engaged to finish 
the Exposition has failed and left London. There is now no hope of its 
being completed. The six volumes of the Old Testament, reaching as far 
as tlic 132d Psalm, may now be had at £1 16s., which I think was men- 
tioned to you in a former letter. If your friends choose to have any of 
them sent, shall allow you twenty per cent, for your trouble. I remain, 
sir, with all duo respect. 

Your humble servant, 

John Gill. 

On the back of this letter Mr. Manning has written 
" answered." Of the reply, however, no copy has come to 
our knowledge. 



CHAPTER IX. 

1786-1788. 

Manning as a patriot statesman — Appointed a member of Congress —Account of 
this event, by lion. Asher Eobbins — Rev. Dr. Terez Fobes appointed to take 
charge of the College in Manning's absence — Letter to Rev. Dr. Rippon, giv- 
ing his reasons for entering upon political life — Interests of the College par- 
amount to all others — Manning's description of a minister such as he might 
wish to succeed him in the pastorate of the Baptist church — Letter from 
Nicholas Brown to Rev. Dr. Smith, respecting Manning and a proposed va- 
cancy in the pastorate of the church — Letter to Rev. Dr. Evans — Letter to 
Rev. Abraham Booth — Rev. Dr. William Gordon, of London, author of a his- 
tory of the American war — Letter to him — Congress passes an act for the relief 
of the College — Letter to Rev. Dr. Smith, giving an account of his life as a 
member of Congress — Letter to his colleague, C en. Nathan Miller, giving an 
account of his own embarrassed condition from the want of funds, and urg- 
ing him to take his seat as a delegate — Second letter to Mr. Miller — Letter to 
Manning from Dr. Gordon — Public exercises of Commencement resumed — 
Sketch of Hon. Nicholas Brown —Account of the collection of portraits in 
Rhode Island Hall — Extract from a letter illustrating the difficulties against 
which the College at this time had to contend — Letter to Rev. Dr. Smith — 
Severe reflections on the General Assembly of Rhode Island — Trying period 
in Manning's life — Commencement of 1787 — Sketch of Hon. Samuel Eddy 

— Biographical sketch of Rev. Dr. Jonathan Maxcy — Confederation — Feder- 
ahsts and Anti-Federalists — Manning's influence in favor of the " New Consti- 
tution " — Attends the Convention in Massachusetts for the adoption of the 
Constitution — Anecdote respecting him — Letter to Rev. Dr. Smith alluding 
to his attendance upon the debates of the Convention — Letter from Rev. Dr. 
Rippon — Letter to Rev. Thomas Ustick — Letter to Rev. Dr. Smith — Bio- 
graphical sketch of Rev. Dr. Asa Mcsser — Commencement of 1788 — Sketch 
of Hon. James Burrill — Letter from Rev. Morgan Edwards — Letter from 
Rev. Dr. Evans — Letter to Rev. Dr. Smith — Early schools of Providence 

— Manning's efl'orts in behalf of popular education. 

Dr. Manning is now to be exhibited in a new charac- 
ter and in new relations. Hitherto, says Prof. Goddard, 
we have seen him ministering at the altar, or dispensing 
32* 



378 MANNING AND CnAr. IX. 

the oracles of wisdom amid the shades of the academy. 
We are now to note his career as a patriot statesman. 

The articles of confederation adopted by the United 
States in 1781, proved, as is well known, utterly inade- 
quate to the purj^oses of government. Commercial em- 
barrassments multiplied ; the public credit was impaired ; 
and the greeit interests of the nation, nay even the whole 
political fabric, was threatened with destruction. At this 
crisis of depression and alarm. Dr. Manning was, by a 
unanimous resolution of the General Assembly, appointed, 
at its March session in 1786, to represent Rhode Island 
in the Congress of the Confederation. The story of this 
interesting event in his life is thus told by the Hon. x\sher 
Robbins, in a letter to Prof Goddard, which we find in 
his memoir of Manning. 

" Though ho had other merits and ample for this appointment of del- 
egate, I have no doubt the dignity and grace for which he was so remark- 
able smoothed the way to it. It took place in this wise : There was a 
vacancy in the delegation, and the General Assembly, Avho were to fill it, 
were sitting in Providence. No one in particular had been proposed or 
talked of. One afternoon Dr. Manning went to the State House, to look 
in upon the Assembly and see what was doing. His motive was curi- 
osity merely. On his appearance there, he was introduced on the floor, 
and accommodated with a scat. Shortly after, Commodore Hopkins, 
who Atas then a member, rose and nominated President Manning as a 
delegate to Congress, and thereupon he was appointed, and, according 
to my recollection, unanimously. I recollect to have heard Commodore 
Hopkins say (it was at the house of his brother, Governor Hopkins, where 
I shortly after met with him) that the idea never entered his head till ho 
saw the President enter and take his scat on the floor of the Assembly ; 
and that the thouglit immediately struck him that he would make a very 
fit member for that august body, the Continental Congress. 

" Congress under the old confederation sat, as you know, in conclave ; 
no report of their del)ates was published. How far Mr. Manning mingled 
in them, therefore, I cannot say. I recollect his speaking of one in 



178G-1788. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 379 

which he participated (the subject I have forgotten), on account of a per- 
sonal controversy to which it gave rise between him and a fiery young 
man, a delegate from Georgia, by the name, as I think, of Houston. 
This young man in his speech had reflected upon New England and her 
people. Mr. Manning repelled the attack, and, by way of offset, drew a 
picture of Georgia and her people. This so nettled the young man that 
in his passion he threatened personal violence. The next day he appeared 
in Congress with a sword by his side. This produced, at once, a sensa- 
tion in that body, the symptoms of which were so alarming that he 
thought proper to withdraw, take off his sword, and send it home by his 
servant. In the course of the day he took &% opportunity to meet with 
Mr. Manning, and to make him an apology. 

" He must have given himself much to business then, as he seemed to 
be master of all the important questions which had been debated, and 
could give the arguments, pro and con, offered by the different speakers. 

'• The famous Dr. Johnson of Connecticut was a member at the same 
time, with whom Mr. Manning became intimate, and of whom he always 
spoke with admiration. The Doctor once paid him the compliment of 
holding the pen of a ready writer, which Mr. Manning very highly val- 
ued as coming from such a man. It was upon an occasion of drawing 
up a report for a committee, of which both were members, and which re- 
port the Doctor professed to be much pleased with." 

Dr. Manning at first pleaded his connection with the 
college as a sufficient reason for declining his appoint- 
ment ; but many of the corporation were gentlemen of 
high political standing, who, regarding the interests of 
the institution as involved in the character and reputation 
of the State and the course of public measures, advised 
him to take his seat, and designate a suitable person to 
preside in his absence. Accordingly, at a special meeting 
of the Trustees and Fellows held at his house, March 13, 
his request for absence was granted, and the Rev. Perez 
Fobes, LL.D., pastor of the Congregational church and 
society in Raynham, Mass., was appointed to take charge 
of the institution from June 1 to Sept. 1, as Vice Pres- 



380 MANNING AND Chap. IX. 

ident. Mr. Fobes was a graduate of Harvard College, in 
the class of 1762. He accepted the appointment, and 
discharged the duties of the place with fidelity and good 
success. Shortly afterwards, it may be added, he was ap- 
pointed Professor of Natural Philosophy, which position 
he occupied twelve years, coming in from Raynham once 
or twice a week, during portions of the year, to deliver 
lectures. In 1795 he was elected one of the Fellows of 
the college. 

The following letter to his friend the Rev. Dr. Rippon, 
gives the reasons more especially which induced Dr. 
Manning to accept this appointment, and also his views 
in regard to entering the political arena. The interests 
of the college, it will be observed, in this as in all other 
matters, were uppermost in his mind. 

Providence^ April 7, 1786. 
My dear Friend : 

Yours of June 22, 1785, came to hand too late to comply with your re- 
quest relative to Mr. Dunscombc, as it did not reach mc till November. 
He is on my list for the honors of the college next Commencement. 

Of Mr. Booth's merit I am fully conscious ; but what apology shall I 
make to him for not informing him that the degree of Master in the Arts 
was conferred on him before the late war, and that he stands on our 
printed catalogue graduated in 1774 1 Some difficulties resj)ecting making 
out diplomas for him and for a number of gentlemen in England delayed 
it till the late confusion commenced, which totally deranged the affairs of 
the college, and effaced the memory of it till of late, especially as our secre- 
tary had omitted entering the graduations on the records. This but lately 
came to my knowledge. The multiplicity of cares which divide my at- 
tention and engross all my time, together with the above, is the best ex- 
cuse I can make. By Dr. Gordon 1 now send him this feather, as a token 
of our respect for his great merit. This, with a letter to him, and letters 
and diplomas to several other gentlemen graduated before the war, 1 take 
the liberty to enclose to you, and beg of you to fonvard them the first good 
conveyance. During the late war we have been so tremblingly alive, that 



178G-1788. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 381 

we have lately started up as from a dream. Of this at least they may be 
assm-ed, that they were not treated designedly with neglect. 

Pray, don't be alarmed should you hear that I am in Congress. The 
motive of my accepting this most unexpected, unsolicited, but unanimous 
appointment of the State to that office, was the recovery of a considerable 
sum due to the college, for the use taken of the edifice, and the damage 
done to it by the public in the late war. It was thought by those most 
acquainted with tlie state of our application to that honorable body, that 
my presence would facilitate that grant ; more especially as none of the 
persons likely to be elected would greatly interest themselves in that 
business. My appointment is only from our late session till next No- 
vember, when I mean to relinquish the office, as in general I always con- 
sidered politics out of my province. Accordingly I have interdicted my 
name being mentioned in the next nominating. Both the college and the 
congregation are, I hope, well provided for during my absence. The 
latter are now looking out for a minister. I ever declined the pastoral 
care of the church as quite incompatible with my engagements to the col- 
lege, though I have preached, administered ordinances, visited the sick, 
attended funerals, etc., for the last fifteen years, without assistance. Con- 
vinced that I cannot hold that place with advantage to them and hold the 
Presidency of the college, I have strongly recommended to them to obtain 
if possible a minister, and they are now looking out for one. But there 
is little probability of their finding the man soon on this continent. A man 
of letters, politeness, strict piety and orthodoxy, of popular talents, pos- 
sessed of a good share of human prudence, and no bigot, — in a word, a 
truly Christian orator is the man they want. Should any of our English 
brethren of this description incline to visit America, I wish him to take 
Providence in his way. And should he like the people, and the people 
him, I believe our congregation would afford him an honorable support, 
as it is large and composed of some of the most wealthy men and first 
characters in the State. Pray, have you no Mr. Kippons, Booths, Evanses, 
etc., to spare from your side of the water ? I should for one be very happy 
to see them on our American shores. 

The number of students in college is about fifty, and our prospects 
would be flattering were it not for the scarcity of money in this country, 
which embarrasses all kinds of business. A fund to educate pious youth 
of our denomination is what I have long wished for, but have not yet 
been able to accomplish. Several hopeful youth for want of this are de'- 
liied an education, who promised fair to have been ornaments to the min- 



382 MANNING AND Chap. IX. 

istiy. The state of religion, except in Boston, Newport, and in Vermont, 
is not very flourishing. With sentiments of esteem, I am, sir, 
Your assured friend and humble servant, 

James IMannixg. 

P. S. — Some drops of mercy have, I trust, fallen upon Providence. 
Our common friend Dr. Drowne requested mc to mention to you that the 
gentlemen who appraised the loss he sustained by the bad package of 
the medicines he received from Mr. Pine, are noted apothecaries, and men 
to be trusted. Such, indeed, I esteem them ; and have eveiy reason to 
think the Doctor took the utmost pains to render the loss as small as pos- 
sible. In justice I think myself bound to say this. 

The letter herewith enclosed from Mr. Nathaniel Dummer is from one 
of my particular friends. His wife is a member of our church, and truly 
an excellent woman. He applied to me to get the information through 
some of my friends in England. He feared to intrust it to a person in 
whom I could not place the highest confidence, as he feared he might not 
get the best information. If it would be compatible with your business to 
procure the information requested, soon, and transmit it to me directed to 
New York, and inform me what the expense is, I will engage to see you 
paid the expense and trouble which it may cost you, over and above 
thanking you for your kindness. As the information of Gov. Dummer 
is thought worthy to be relied on, since he came to America after he was 
grown up, it is thought highly probable that my friend is the next heir to the 
estate. Should the information coincide with his wishes, he means imme- 
diately to embark for England to attend to the business. Pray, let mchear 
by every good opportunity of your welfare. With every wish which the 
sincerest friendship can dictate for your temporal and eternal felicity, I 
subscribe myself, 

Your very unworthy fellow-servant in the gospel of Christ, 

James ISIanning. 

" A man of letters, politeness, strict j^iety and orthodoxy, 
of popular talents, possessed of a good share of human 
prudence, and no bigot ; in a word, a truly Christian ora- 
tor," — such is Dr. Manning's brief and expressive de- 
scription of a minister to succeed in the pastorate of the 
Baptist church at Providence. How unconsciously has he 



1783-1788. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 383 

here presented his own character as a preacher and pas- 
tor ! 

In reference to Manning's appointment to Congress and 
the consequent vacancy in the churcli, Mr. Nicholas Brown 
thus writes to the Rev. Hezekiah Smith, under date of 
April 2, 178G: — 

"You will perhaps think it strange to hear of Mr, Manning's going to 
Congress, but I reserve giving a full account of this matter, hoping this 
may have some influence in inducing you to come at the time proposed, 
wlien you will hear all. I will only say here, that as the college increases, 
Mr. Manning urges, and with reason, that he cannot possibly attend to 
the duties of both President and pastor, and that the church has suffered 
for the want of time on his part to visit, etc. He has therefore recom- 
mended to the church and society to look up a suitable person as his suc- 
cessor, and as the college funds are not of themselves, in their present 
state, sufficient for his support, he goes to Congress to get what is due for 
rents, damages, etc., during the war The committee before men- 
tioned are not only to obtain supplies in his absence, but to look up a 
suitable person to take charge of the church as a pastor. You know he 
must be a man of learning, and prudently popular. The society will en- 
gage such an one a genteel living, etc. Your advice, my dear friend, if 
nothing more, is absolutely necessary at this juncture. No one, let me 
add, will be more acceptable, on all accounts, than yourself, as a candidate 
for this important place." 

The following letter to the Rev. Dr. Evans is very sim- 
ilar to the one to Dr. Rippon, and bears the same date. 
We give it, however, as a part of Manning's correspond- 
ence, omitting a portion to avoid needless repetition. 

Providence, April 7, 1786. 
Dear Sir : 

Some time in November last I received your most acceptable favor of 
Sept. 5, forwarded by Mr. Waldo, I am happy to hear that your Ed- 
ucation Societ}^ at their meeting in August last, empowered you to send 
such valuable books as they have to dispose of to our college. As you 
intended sending them by an early opportunity, and as I have heard noth- 
ing on the subject since, I fear they may have fallen into bad hands, or 



334 MANNING AND CiiAr. IX. 

have been lost at sea. This induces me to write now that you may know 
they have not arrived. 

If spared to see another annual meeting of the corporation, at which only 
we have ever conferred degrees, we shall remember your worthy colleague, 
the Rev. James Newton, and confer on him the degree of Master in the 
Arts. Your recommendation of any gentleman for the honors of the col- 
lege will always meet with particular attention. 

The college consists of upwards of fifty members, and would flourish 
greatly were it not for the scarcity of money in this country, which ex- 
ceeds description. This scarcity peculiarly affects us. The appropriation 
of the edifice to public uses during the war was productive of great dam- 
age to it, for reparation of which, as well as for the rents, the corporation 
sent mc last year to Congress, with the state of our accounts and claims 
and sufficient vouchers. "\Ye obtained a hearing before a committee ap- 
pointed to report on tlie subject of the petition, and obtained a favorable 
report, but lost it before Congress when the report was acted upon. Our 
late Professor Howell was then a member, and had great influence ; but 
as he had effectuall}' opposed some continental measures, he tliinks the 
question was lost by that means, together with the small numl)er of the 
states on the floor. By the articles of the confederation, he is not again 
eligible for three years ; nor could we find any man, probably, to be 
chosen, who would deeply interest himself for the college. This induced 
me, at his earnest importunity, together with his giving the greatest en- 
couragement that a grant miglit be ol)tained, to accept the unanimous 
appointment of our Legislature, at their late session, as their first delegate 
in Congress till next November, — an apjjointmcnt to me most unex- 
pected, as I had considered politics out of my province, and on that ac- 
count had declined a former nomination to that office. The interests of 
the college lay near my heart, and the necessities of it call aloud for the 
exertions of all its friends. I thought proper to give you these hints, lest 
upon hearing of my being in Congress you might think I meant to as- 
sume the political character ; than which, in general, nothing is more 
remote from my intentions, notwithstanding the great importunity of 
many of the Legislature for me to continue in the office. I hope the col- 
lege and congregation will be well provided for during my absence, and 
I do not doubt it from the arrangements made. 

The state of religion in this country at present is low; yet our churches 
iu Boston and Newport the last winter and this spring are mercifully vis- 



1786-1788. BUOWN UNIVERSITY. 385 

ited, and some drops of mercy have, I trust, fallen upon Providence. 
With every wish for your happiness, I remain, dear sir, 
Yours, etc., 

James Manning. 

TO THE EEV. ABRAHAM BOOTH. 

Providence, Rhode Island, April 7, 1786. 
Retekend and dear Sir : 

Y'our most acceptable favor of the 25tli of March, 1785, never reached 
me until November last. I heartily thank you for your translation of 
Dr. Abadie. I esteem it a mastei-ly performance, and wish it to have a 
general spread through this country, which, in imitation of the old coun- 
try, is rejecting the ancient gospel. Dr. Chauncey's book in favor of 
universal salvation, printed in London, has made many proselytes amongst 
the New England Congregationalists. Mere nominal Christian ministers 
now begin to show on whose side they are. I am convinced, however, 
that these trying times are necessary, and will eventually subserve the 
interests of the Redeemer. False friends are more dangerous to religion 
than avowed enemies. 

After a cursory reading of your " Pedobaptism Examined " last spring, 
I loaned it to my Brother Gano at New York, who at that time had great 
need of it, and I have never been able to get it since. I read it with great 
pleasure, and shall be happy to see a second edition, without any correc- 
tions except such as the judicious author may see fit to make. It is out 
of my power to comply with your request to criticize it. Some hints 
when at New York led me to suspect on whom you animadverted in the 
note you mention. It grieves me that such fine abilities should be pros- 
tituted in the support of error. Hope he may return to a better way of 
thinking. You need not fear any discoveries to your disadvant-^ge. 

I thank you for your attention to my friend Dr. Drowne, Having 
gained his object in France, he returned last summer, and is now well, 
and retains a high sense of the favors received in your family. 

I hope the amiable and worthy Dr. Stennett is recovered, and will yet 
be spared to do much service to the cause of the Redeemer, in addition to 
the important service he has already rendered. I rejoice to hear that his 
son is such a worthy character. I wish he may fill his honored father's 
place, when he, having served his generation according to the will of 
God, shall sleep with his fathers. 
33 



38G MANNING AND Chap. IX. 

It is pleasing to hear that the cause of God gains ground in England, 
and especially in our denomination. Sorry am I to hear of the dissolu- 
tion of two Baptist churches in London. Dr. Gibbons was an intimate 
acquaintance of my old President Davies, and through that channel I be- 
came acquainted with his character. I esteemed him a worthy, good man. 
Some more of Mr. Backus's first volume, he tells me, arc found in London. 

Your letter, accompanying a copy of Dr. Abadie, I forwarded immedi- 
ately to Mr. Stillman, who received it. 

Our Baptist churches in Boston and Newport have through the winter, 
and still have, a gracious visit. Considerable additions have been made to 
them, and the good work continues. I have also good tidings of the 
same kind from Virginia. Some scattering drops I hope have fallen 
upon Providence, but the number of late conversions is but small. 

What apology shall I make for not advising you that the college con- 
ferred on you the degree of Master in the Arts in 1774 ? Directly after 
Commencement I was called away to the Southern States, and on my re- 
turn the Lord was pleased to pour out his Spirit on the people of my 
charge in a glorious manner, Avhich engaged both my time and my atten- 
tion till that fatal 19th of April following, when hostilities commenced at 
Lexington, which cut off all intercourse between the two countries, and 
so deranged the affairs of the college that it is but lately that I recollected 
that diplomas had never been sent to you and several other gentlemen 
graduated upon the recommendation of Mr. Riley, of Northampton. 
If these excuses, with more somewhat similar, are not sufficient, and I 
seem really to doubt myself, I must take the blame of neglect on myself, 
and make the best apology I can by complying with my duty at this late 
hour. As a testimony of our respect for your merit, be pleased to accept 
the diploma wliich accompanies this ; and if you can, excuse the omission 
of giving you timely advice. To one not a resident in America it is hard 
to conceive into what confusion the war threw us, from wbich it will not 
be easy to recover soon. Tbe college, however, is in a more prosperous 
state than ever, and promises fair to hold a rank amongst literary institu- 
tions in this new world ; but the scarcity of casli greatly embarrasses the 
college at present, as it is extremely difficult for people of property to 
raise money to educate their children. 

I shall be glad to liave a letter from Mr. Booth by every opportunity. 

With cvciy wish for your temporal and eternal felicity wliich the sin- 
ccrcst friendship can dictate, I remain, dear sir. 

Yours, in Ciirist, 

James Manning. 



178G-1788. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 387 

The following letter is addressed to the Rev. Dr. Wil- 
liam Gordon, who, it will be remembered, came from Eng- 
land in 1770, with a letter of introduction to Manning 
from the Rev. Dr. Stennett (page 123). He settled in 
Massachusetts, and was ordained pastor of a Congrega- 
tional church in Jamaica Plain, Roxbury, on the 6th of 
July, 1772. When the Revolution commenced, he took a 
very active part against his native country, and was ap- 
pointed chaplain to the Provincial Congress. He preached 
a Thanksgiving discourse, Dec. 15, 1774, which is pub- 
lished in Thornton's " Pulpit of the American Revolu- 
tion." In 1786 he returned to England, and two years 
afterwards published, in four octavo volumes, " The His- 
tory of the Rise, Progress, and Establishment of the In- 
dependence of the United States of America," — a candid 
and impartial work, says Alibone, of which there have 
been several editions. He died at Ipswich, Oct. 19, 1807, 
aged seventy-seven. Manning it seems cultivated an inti- 
macy with him. In this letter he speaks of a donation of 
books which Gordon made to the college library. Among 
them we notice Caryl's Exposition, with Practical Obser- 
vations uj)on the book of Job, — a work in two liuge folios, 
published in London, in 1G76, of which Charles Lamb 
playfully says, " What any man can write, surely I may 
read." 

Providence, April 13, 1786. 
Reverend and dear Sir : 

Yours of the 21st and 27th ult. were long in coming to hand, and the 
reasons of my delaying to answer them were that I mistook one week in 
the time set for your sailing, and my having a number of letters to write 
and several diplomas to get ready to send to some gentlemen in England. 
All these I have enclosed to Rev. John Rippon, successor to Dr. Gill, 
who will take care to forward them as directed. I must beg the favor of 
you to see Mr. Rippon, and deliver them with your own hand. 



^^^ MANNING AND Chap. IX. 

It was my intention to have seen you myself and brought Mrs. Man- 
ning down, who was exceedingly desirous of it, that we might have had 
the opportunity of a parting kiss ; but, unfortunately, my horse is dis- 
ordered, and unable to perform tlie journey. Tliough denied the pleas- 
ure of one more interview Avith you here, I trust the grace and mercy of 
God will favor us with one infinitely more agreeable in a better world. 
You have my unworthy prayers for your own and your family's safety 
while on the ocean, and my sincere desires for your and their prosperity 
in your native country, from whence I shall ever rejoice to receive letters 
from, you and return the favor. I have been informed tliat you have been 
greatly abused in the Boston newspapers. You know that is a talent our 
neighbors there possess. Tliey are ingenious to provoke. I am sorry 
your success in subscriptions is small here ; but such is the scarcity of 
money that many who wished to be possessors, and amongst the rest 
your humble servant, were necessitated to forego it. But I hope to see 
better times. Shall be proud to place Dr. Gordon's History of the Amer- 
ican War in the college libraiy at Providence, as a token of his remem- 
brance and friendship for that institution. 

Don't imagine that I mean to exchange the sacred for the political 
character, because until the next November I have accepted an appoint- 
ment of the State to a seat in Congress. It is purely with a view to 
obtain, if possible, a grant to compensate the rents and damages for the 
use of the edifice by the public during the wai-.i However strongly so- 
licited, I have not the least idea of suffering my name to be used in a ■ 
subsequent election. More than a thousand pounds is our just due from 

1 Dr. Manning did not succeed in his endeavors. Fourteen years afterwards 
(April 16, 1800), through the exertions mainly of Mr. John Brown, Congress 
passed an act entitled, '• An Act for the Relief of the Corporation of llhodc 
Island College." 

" Be it enacted, etc., That the accounting officers of the treasury be, and they 
are liereby authorized and directed to liquidate and settle the claims of the cor- 
poration of Rhode Island College, for compensation for the use and occupation 
of the edifice of said college, and for injuries done to the same, from the tenth 
day of December, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-six, to the twenti- 
eth day of April, one thousand seven hundred and eighty, by the troops of the 
United States; and that the sum which may be found due to the said corporation 
for damages done to and occupation of the said edifice, as aforesaid, be paid 
them out of any moneys in the treasury not otherwise api)ropriated." 

llow much compensation the college finally received, we are unable at present 
to determine. Dr. Benedict, in his History, states it to have been two thousand 
dollars. 



nse-i'ss. BROWN university. ob\) 

the public. With our small funds this is too much to lose. I wish with 
all my heart you may succeed to your wishes in returning to your native 
country. Mrs. Manning joins in her best regards to you and Mrs. Gor- 
don. We wish you every felicity which the sincerest friendship can dic- 
tate, both in time and eternity. 

I rest, yours, etc., in gospel bonds, 

James Manning. 

P. S. — By Mr. Brown, the wagoner, we received the box of books in 
good order, and I beg leave in the name and in behalf of the corporation 
to present you the hearty thanks of the college for the donation. They 
are delivered to the librarian, and ordered to be set up and your name to 
be enrolled amongst the benefactors of Rhode Island College. 

James Manning, President. 

TO THE EEV. DE. SMITH. 

New York, 17th May, 1786. 
Dear Sir : 

Yours of the 27th ult. came safe to hand, for which I thank you, and 
should have answered it before had not my hands been full. Mrs. Man- 
ning informed me of the application to you to be my successor in the 
meeting at Providence. I should be happy in yoiu' society, and should 
Providence order your lot there, I shall while there contribute my best 
endeavors to render your life happy, and useful to the people ; but I think 
it best to interfere as little as may be with their determinations in settling 
a minister, as I conceive it might lessen my influence in his favor, after 
his settlement, should they have it in their power to say, when his sup- 
port might be felt, that I was any means of it. Not that I hereby mean 
to excuse myself from doing my personal duty in that case, which I hope 
would be a pleasure. Should you accept of their invitation, your piety, 
I trust, would more than compensate the defect of politeness, — a high 
degree of which I cannot deem primarily essential in a gospel preacher, 
any more than distinguished rusticity. Habits of easiness iri access, and 
gentle, unaffected manners, are most pleasing in that character. 

I hope you may have the pleasure to find that your labors at Provi- 
dence are followed with a blessing. The Lord is doing wonders in this 
city and its vicinity, but especially in the Jerseys, at the Plains, Moun- 
tains, Piscataway, and Cranberry. I attend the June meeting. Mr. 
Runyan, on Saturday, baptized twelve ; the Sabbatarian minister three. 
33* 



390 MANNING AND Chap. IX. 

Great power appeared to attend the preaching. Multitudes appeared 
deeply affected, aud during the meeting several professed to be brought 
into gospel liberty. Such a meeting I believe was never seen at Piscata- 
way before. I am told the Thursday following twelve were baptized at 
Quibblctown, and Lord's Day thirteen at the Plains. There appears a 
considerable turn in the minds of the people throughout that quarter. Mr. 
Wilson flames out and is remarkably blessed, and goes on preaching, ex- 
horting, and baptizing from place to place with surprising success. The 
Lord indeed is doing great things in the land. 

Of your mother I can give no information, but presume she is living, 
otherwise Mr. Guthrie or your brother Jeremiah would have told me of 
her death. My situation here is indeed very awkward, without a col- 
league, without money, and in doubt what to resolve on. Our public 
affairs wear a cloudy aspect. I hope it is that the interposition of Heaven 
may be seen in extricating us from difficulty. His former unmerited 
favor to this guilty land encourages me to hope for it though it should 
almost be against iiope. 

The savages have begun their barbarous depredations on our western 
frontiers, but probably not without provocation from some of that lawless 
banditti which forms the van of those settlements. It is expected that, on 
investigation, this will be found true. Many of the innocent must doubt- 
less be involved in ruin in consequence of it. The wretched, deranged 
finances of the Federal Government, will allow us, if disposed, to afford 
these people but feeble aid. 

I am treated with respect by Congress and the heads of dcpai-tments. 
The present Congress possess great integrity, and a good sliare of abili- 
ties ; but for want of more States on tlie floor the public and important 
business is from day to day neglected. We are, however, in daily ex- 
pectation of a fuller delegation. If personal matters could be so adjusted 
that I were not disquieted, I should be very happy in my situation here ; 
for I commonly preach once or twice on Lord's Days, either in town, on 
Long or Staten Island, or in the Jerseys. 

Please to present my l)est respects to Mrs. Smith and friends, and be- 
lieve me to be 

Your old, unvarying friend, 

James Manning. 

Dr. Manning's collenguc was Brig.-Gen. Nathan Mil- 
ler, of Warren. To him he thus writes, giving a graphic 



1786-1788. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 391 

description of his own embarrassed condition for want of 
funds, and urging him in the present crisis of affairs to 
take his seat as a delegate, and by his presence and influ- 
ence aid in preventing an impending dissolution of the 
Federal Government. That Manning fully comprehended 
the great questions which agitated this Congress of 1786, 
and which finally led to a more perfect union of the States, 
is evident from his correspondence, and from the great 
interest which he felt and the efforts which he made to 
secure the adoption of the Constitution of the United 
States. 

New York, 7tli of June, 1786. 
Dear Sir : 

I think if for a moment you would figure to yourself my situation, alone 
here for more than a month, reduced to the very last guinea and a trifle 
of change (which is the case) ; my lodging, washing, barber's, hatter's, tai- 
loi's bills, etc., not paid ; without the favor of a single line from you ad- 
vising me whether you mean to come or not, or sending forward the one 
hundred dollars on hand, which you proposed doing from the election 
if you was not likely to follow me soon, — I say if you would but realize 
my situation, you could not but pity me from your heart. I wrote you 
long since. I begged an answer from you, one way or another, that I 
miglit know wliat measures to take. But as I am now situated, I can 
neither stay nor go, except to the new City Hall, if my creditors exact it ; 
and strangers have no more compassion on me than the State that ap- 
pointed me. I must interest you to forward that sura of one hundred 
dollars, if no more can be had, by the first opportunity, with a line advis- 
ing me of your real intentions. Matters highly interesting to this Confed- 
eracy, and indeed I think the question whether the Federal Government 
shall long exist, are now before Congress, and there are not States suffi- 
cient to transact the necessary business, as we now have barely nine States 
on the floor. Our affairs are come very much to a point, and if the States 
continue to neglect keeping up their delegations in Congress, the Federal 
Government must ipse facto dissolve. I have written the Governor on 
these subjects, and desired his answer, whether we shoidd keep up our 
delegation or rfot. I shall wait till a reasonable time for an answer from 
you, and quit if I do not receive it. Send me by the post or 



392 M A N N I X G A N D Chap. IX. 

Frank your letters by the post. I shall impatiently wait the event, and 
with sentiments of esteem, I have the honor to be, sir, 

Your humble servant, 

James Manning. 

TO THE SAME. 

New York, 12th of June, 178G. 
Sir : — Yours of 27th ult. came to hand two days ago. Am mortified 
exceedingly that you have not come forward, nor sent on the money on 
hand ; for I am reduced to but a few shillings, and my bills arc not paid. 
My situation — without a colleague, without money, and without any in- 
structions or favorable prosi)ects from government — is painful. Rhode Isl- 
and has not many more strides to make to complete her disgrace, and ruin 
too ; but that is not all. She is likely to hold a distinguished rank amongst 
the contributors to the ruin of the Federal Government. Never probably 
was a full delegation of the vStates more necessary than now, for you may 
rest assured that in the opinion of every member of Congress, and in the 
several departments, things are come to a crisis with the Federal Govern- 
ment. You sa}' you think the present House do not Avant a Congress ; 
they may, it is more than probable, very soon see the accomplishment of 
their wishes ; for without a speedy reform in the policy of the States, the 
Federal Government must be no more. The flagrant violations of the pub- 
lic faith, solemnly plighted, in the late emissions of paper money, on the 
conditions on which it is emitted, is here considered as the completion of 
our ruin as a nation : but I wrote j^ou before on this subject ; it is too pain- 
ful to repeat. Pray send me on the money on hand, or come and bring it 
yourself, without loss of time ; at least, write me by every vessel. With 
sentiments of esteem, I have the honor to be, sir. 

Your humble servant, 

James Manning. 

The following letter from the Rev. Dr. Gordon will be 
found especially interesting, in view of the author's posi- 
tion as a defender of America on English soil : — 

Stoke Newington, England, Sept. 13, 1786. 
My dear Sir : 

T have appropriated a few of ray busy moments to your friendship, on 
which I set a high value. You will have heard of our safe arrival. The 



1783-1788. BROWN UNIVERSITY. o\)6 

passage was, blessed be God, good upon the whole, and though longer by 
a week or two than we could have wished, yet not lengthy. "We were 
in London within six weeks, lacking two days, after leaving Boston, and 
had a slight sea-sickness only the first day. Many of our friends and 
acquaintance, and some of our relations, had been removed ; but we 
had the pleasure of finding as many still living as we could reasonably 
expect. I took care to deliver the parcel for Mr. Eippon safely, of 
which you will probably have received an account before this arrives . It 
would have been great pleasure to us to have seen you and Mrs. Man- 
ning before our departure ; but that having been prevented, I trust with 
you that the grace and mercy of God will favor us with an interview 
infinitely more agreeable in a better world. I am exceedingly busy 
upon my Plistory, and when I have finished it shall not be unmindful 
of your college library. The abuse in the public papers hindered the 
subscriptions very much. I hope, however, they will be made up in 
Britain. The beginning of next month I mean to have the proposals 
circulating ; but am apprehensive that the book will not go to the press 
so early as I intended. Every one tells me that I must be extremely cau- 
tions how I word myself, in speaking of individuals in Britain, lest I 
should be prosecuted for libelling ; and prudence will require my advising 
with some gentleman learned in the law, that I may avoid falling into the 
clutches of the malevolent. You would wonder at the coolness with 
which I have been treated by several, even of my brethren in the ministry, 
for the part I took while in America ; this, however, has not made me re- 
pent of engaging on the side of liberty. The Rev. Mr. Martin, of your 
persuasion, at the Westminster end of the town, was a most bitter enemy 
to the Americans, as I have heard ; and one and another of the Presbyte- 
rians and Congregationalists were not less so, and would have rejoiced to 
have had the promoters and encouragers of the Revolution, whether in 
civil or saci-ed orders, hanged as rebels. But Heaven has disappointed 
and mortified them. They however spit out their venom at times. 

We are at present with Mrs. Gordon's brother, who is exceedingly 
friendly. Where we shall settle is wholly uncertain ; but a kind Provi- 
dence, I hope, will direct in much mercy. Should like to be in the neigh- 
borhood of London, for the benefit of corresponding with my American 
friends, and doing them any particular service. Such a situation would 
place me also in the midst of my relations and British acquaintance. 
These matters, however, must all be submitted to infinite wisdom ; and 
I desire not to be at my own disposal and direction. 



304 MANNING AND Chap. I X. 

We have been favored with good health since our arrival. I am con- 
cerned that your State should be so overseen as to make paper money, 
etc. Such policy will never make you prosper, and instead of preserving 
will driA'^e away property and plenty from you. The Americans must 
make all kinds of property secure, or confusion will follow. I am most 
hearty in wishing them virtuous and honorable, and am therefore pained 
when anything takes place that is prejudicial to their public character. 
Mrs. Gordon joins in best regards to self and Mrs. Manning. Remem- 
ber me to Mr. Nicholas Brown, Mr. Benson, and other friends. Let me 
hear from you by the first opportunity. Direct to Mr. Field's, Apothe- 
cary, Newgate Street. I remain. 

Your sincere and affectionate friend, 

William Gordon. 

This year the public exercises of Commencement were 
resumed. Fifteen young men took their Bachelor's de- 
gree, and among them Nicholas Brown, Jr., afterwards the 
distinguished benefactor of the college. He was at this 
time but seventeen years of age, having entered the Fresh- 
man Class in 1782, when the college again began to live. 
Mr. Brown commenced his benefactions in February, 1792, 
by presenting to tlie Trustees and Fellows of the college 
the sum of five hundred dollars, to be expended in the 
purchase of law books for the library. This he did, in the 
language of the letter announcing the donation, " under a 
deep impression of the generous intentions of my honored 
father, deceased, towards the college in this town, as well 
as from my own personal feelings towards the institution, 
in which I received my education, and from a desire to 
promote literature in general, and in particular the knowl- 
edge of the laws of our country, under the influence 
whereof not only our property but our lives and dearest 
privileges are protected." In 1801 he presented to the 
corporation the sum of five thousand dollars, as a founda- 
tion for a professorship of oratory and belles-lettres. It 



1786-1788. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 395 

was on this occasion, in consideration of this donation, and 
of others that had been received from him and his kindred, 
that the name of the institution was changed, in accord- 
ance with a provision in its charter, from Rhode Island 
College to Brown University. In 1822 he erected at his 
own expense the second college building, which he pre- 
sented to the corporation, in a letter bearing date Jan. 13, 
1823. At his suggestion it was named "Hope College," 
in honor of his only surviving sister, Mrs. Hope Ives. In 
1835 he erected the third building, which he also pre- 
sented to the corporation, with a request that it might be 
named " Manning Hall," in honor of the mem6ry of his 
own distinguished instructor and revered friend. President 
Manning. Mr. Brown died Sept. 27, 1841, at the age of 
seventy-two. " A discourse commemorative of his charac- 
ter and life was delivered by President Wayland, in the 
University chapel, which discourse was afterwards pub- 
lished. The entire sum of his recorded benefactions and 
bequests to the University amounts to one hundred and 
sixty thousand dollars, assigning to the donations of land 
and buildings the valuation which was put upon them at 
the time they were made. 

" Many years," says Prof Gammell, " have now elapsed 
since he descended to the tomb, but the monuments of 
his wise and pious benefactions are all around us, — in the 
University with which his name is associated ; in the But- 
ler Hospital for the Insane, and the Providence Athenaeum, 
to whose founding he so largely contributed ; and in the 
churches, and colleges, and institutions of philanthropy 
over the whole land, to which he so often lent his liberal 
and most timely aid. So long as learning and religion 
shall have a place in the affections of men, these enduring 



396 MANNING AND Chap. IX. 

memorials will proclaim bis character, and speak his 
eulogy. Hi sanctissimi testes^ hi inaximi laudatoresP 

A few years before bis death, at the annual meeting of 
the corporation in 1835, Mr. Brown was formally requested 
to sit for his likeness, which was taken, at full length, by 
Harding, one of the most celebrated American artists. It 
now graces the collection^ of portraits in Rhode Island 

^ This collection, to which we have frequently alluded, now comprises twenty- 
six portraits, many of them painted from life. Tlie following list of them may 
be of interest, perhaps, to some of our readers : — 

COLLEGE OFFICEKS, GRADUATES, ETC. 

1. James Manning. Two portraits, one of which is an original, painted by 

Alexander, of Newport, in the year 1770. 

2. William Kogerp, the first student of the college. Painted by his daughter, 

E. J. Rogers, from an original portrait by Kembraudt Peale. 

3. Francis Waylakd, the fourth rresideut. A full-length portrait. A fine 

marble bust of Wayland, executed by Ball, of Boston, is in the college 
library. 

4. Moses Brown, the youngest of the " Four Brothers." 

5. Nicholas Brown. A full-length portrait, by Harding. 

6. Thomas Toynton Ives, a distinguished benefactor of the college. Born in 

1769. 

7. ASHER PlObbins, an early tutor, and the first librarian of the college. 

8. Henry Wheaton, Minister Plenipotentiary at Berlin. Graduated in 1802. 

9. Adoniram Judson, missionary to Burraah. Graduated in 1807. 

10. Tristam Burgess, the distinguished orator. Graduated in 1796. 

11. Solomon Urowne, a Professor twenty-three years. Graduated in 1773. 

12. Nathan B. Crocker. For nearly sixty years rector of St. John's Church, 

Providence, and for fifty-five years a Fellow of the University. 

soldiers, statesmen, etc., distinguished in RHODE ISLAND HISTORY. 

1. William Coddinoton, the first Governor of Rhode Island. 

2. Charles II., from whom Rhode Island received her charter, in 1603. A 

fine original picture by Gaspars, an artist contemporary with the King. 

3. Catherine of Braganza, his Queen. Also an original, by Gaspars. 

4. EzEK Hopkins, the first commodore in tlie American navy. 

5. William Barton, the captor of Major-Gcneral Prescott. 
0. Abraham Whipple, the " Daring Commodore." 

7. Samuel Slater, the founder of the manufacturing interests of Rhode 

Island and of America. 

8. Oliver Hazard Perry, the hero of Lake Erie. 





//^■'fv//^ 



f I 






// 



J 



17SG-1788. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 397 

Hall. The visitor will gaze upon it with renew^ed interest 
as successive years roll on. It is greatly to be regretted 
that the portraits of his worthy sire and ancestors cannot 
be placed by its side. 

Returning now to our narrative, we learn from the fol- 
lowing extract from a letter addressed by Mr. Nicholas 
Brown, senior, to the Rev. Dr. Smith, dated Nov. 9, 1786, 
that Dr. Manning resumed his accustomed duties at the 
college in the beginning of November of that year. The 
extract is introduced as an illustration, in part, of the dif- 
ficulties with w^hich the college had to contend, owing to 
the scarcity of money and the confused state of the times. 

" Mr. Manning arrived here early in this month, so that we have been 
destitute of a supply for the pulpit only two or three Sabbaths. The cor- 
poration were put to the necessity of beginning college exercises with the 
new tutor, young Mr. Flint, several days after the scholars had arrived, 
Mr. Robbins having been detained at New London, waiting for a passage, 
until after Mr. Manning left. The worst of all is that we arc still desti- 
tute of a steward, several having applied for the place who were not 

9. Gilbert Stuart, the painter of Washington's portraits. Born in Khode 
Island. 

10. George Berkeley, the distinguished Irish prelate and philosopher. Re- 

sided at ]Sewport. 

11. William Ellery Channing, the distinguished Unitarian divine. 

12. Christopher Green, a lieutenant-colonel in the army of the Revolution. 

13. Isaac P. Rodman, a Brigadier-General of Rhode Island. Fell at the bat- 

tle of Antietam. 

14. Major-General Ambrose E. Burnside. A full-length portrait, painted from 

life, by E. Leutze, of New York. 
The collection, as will be observed, includes men of all ranks and professions, 
and affords a happy illustration of the tie that binds together the varied interests 
of college and State. Most of the portraits have been obtained within the past 
five years, through the exertions of the Hon. J. R. Bartlett, Secretary of State, 
to whom the grateful thanks of the public are justly due for his generous and 
philanthropic labors. An enterprise so auspiciously commenced will, we trust, 
be carried on from year to year. Many portraits are still wanting to add com- 
pleteness to the collection. 

34 



398 MANNING AND Chap. IX. 

judged suitable, and several having been applied to who have declined. 
The want of some officer of college to attend the place of the institution, 
will, I fear, be a disadvantage. But the badness of the pay heretofore, 
and the scarcity of money, the paper currency, and the confused state of 
law and justice, both in your State and in our own, where the scholars 
come from, are real difficulties. The fact, too, that the students are 
obliged to board out, instead of boarding in commons, has greatly in- 
creased the expenses. Yet, I believe, if due attention is paid by the offi- 
cers, we shall have many students in, at least by next Commencement." 

TO THE EEV. DR. SMITH. 

Providence, Jan. 18, 1787. 
Dear Sir: 

Yours of the 1.5th ult. came to hand a few days ago. Am happy to 
hear of your welfare, but am sorry to hear of Mrs. Smith's indisposition. 
Hope it has proved of short duration. About a month ago I was seized 
with a violent fit of the bilious colic, which confined me about a fortnight, 
and threatened my life. Through divine favor I am happily recovered, 
and we all enjoy usual hcaltii. The town is generally healthy. Mr. 
Nicholas Brown has lost his new-born son. Mr. Jonathan Jenckes is 
married to the widow Bowers, who lived across the way. No late intelli- 
gence from the westward. Trade amongst us is very declining. Brown 
and Benson, by a seizure at Surinam, have lost about four thousand dol- 
lars, and Jenckes, "Winsor, and Co. about the same sum by the like means 
in Virginia. The paper money of this State has run down to six for one, 
notwithstanding which the Legislature continue it as a tender, and mean 
to do so, and to pay off all the State debts with it, be it as bad as it may. 
At the last session I petitioned them to pay my advances, and tlic re- 
mainder of my salary as delegate, amounting to upwards of four hun- 
dred dollars. This they offered to do in their paper, but in no other way. 
Besides, they have ordered all the import orders brought in and exchanged 
at the treasury for paper at par, so that I must lose five sixths of my 
salary so paid to me. A more infamous set of men under the character 
of a legislature, never, I believe, disgraced the annals of the world. 
And there is no prospect of a change for the better. Of all the arrear- 
ages of tuition for the last year, and the quarter advanced in this, I have 
not received ten pounds. I was taken sick the day after the second great 
snow, with no provisions in the cellar except one hundred-weight of 
cheese, two barrels of cider, and some potatoes ; with not a load of wood 



1786-1788. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 399 

at my door ; nor could I command a single dollar to supply these wants. 
The kindness of my neighbors, however, kept me from suffering. But 
when a man has hardly earned money, to be reduced to this abject state 
of dependence requires the exercise of more grace than I can boast of. 
I feel for you in the situation which you mention, but it is a very trying 
time, and few of our ministering brethren are exempt from those trials. 
Nor would it probably be easy for you to better yourself. I have serious 
thought of removing to the farm at the Jerseys, and undertake digging 
for my support. Should things wear the same unfavorable aspect next 
year, I believe I shall make the experiment, if my life is spared. 

The college consists of about the same number as it did before Com- 
mencement, but the delinquency of the students in paying their bills 
must, if not altered, break up the college, as the affairs cannot be sup- 
ported, especially as all assistance from our fund is cut off, if indeed it is 
not totally annihilated, which I greatly fear from the temper of the times. 

I completed your business at New York, I believe, agreeably to your 
wishes, and have your securities and papers all by me ready for your 
commands, but I did not choose to send them by an uncertain convey- 
ance. You mention an agreeable journey last October, but don't tell me 
where. I think with you that there is something godlike in preaching to 
the poor, who cannot recompense us ; but it is our misfortune to be so 
generally of that numher that we can only contemplate it. I supply the 
pulpit when able, but have had no application from the church, as such, 
to do it. Religion is extremely low with us, and confusion in State mat- 
ters seems to increase. Please to present my best respects to Mrs. Smith 
and family, with all friends, in which Mrs. M. joins. 

Sir, yours, etc., 

James Manning. 

The language of Dr. Manning, as here applied to the 
Legislature of Rhode Island, may seem at first unnecessa- 
rily severe. A reference, however, to Gov. Arnold's His- 
tory, and to our biographical sketch of Gen. Varnum, in 
his forensic effort in the celebrated case of Trevett against 
Weeden (page 98), will show that it was merited and just. 
This perhaps was the most trying period of Dr. Manning's 
life. That he should have had serious thoughts of engaging 
in agriculture for a support is by no means surprising. 



400 MANNING AND CiiAr. IX. 

These, however, were but momentary, and soon passed 
away. Few men, with powers distracted by care, and 
spirits saddened perhaps by a want of the comforts and 
conveniences of life, have ever labored more perseveringly, 
diligently, and cheerfully for the welfare of others, and for 
the public good, than Manning. 

The Commencement for 1787 seems to have been one 
of unusual interest, " a large, polite, and crowded assembly 
of gentlemen and ladies attending upon the exercises, 
and thus doing honor to the day and themselves by en- 
couraging polite literature, and those useful arts wdiich are 
the glory of civilized countries." Among the orations 
upon this occasion was one by Nathaniel Lambert, on 
" The Present Appearance of Public Affairs in the United 
States of America — portraying the superior advantages 
to be enjoyed by this country, and the public happiness 
rationally to be expected, in case the States shall harmo- 
niously agree on the great federal measures necessary for the 
good of the whole, whereon tlie convention have been some 
time deliberating at Philadelphia, and recommending in- 
dustry, the manufactures of our country, and the disuse 
of foreign goods; and soliciting the fair daughters of 
America to set the patriotic example by banishing from 
their dress the costly gewgaws and articles of foreign pro- 
duction." Doubtless the worthy President had something 
to do with the selection of this topic, and its happy treat- 
ment. 

The graduates numbered ten ; at the head of whom, on 
the Triennial, stands the name of Abncr Alden, nuister 
of tlie famous school at Raynham, Mass., and author of 
the "Header" and "The S})elling-book" which supi)lied 
our ancestors in the Old Colony with tlie "rudiments" 
half a century ago. Mr. Alden was of the lifth genera- 



1783-1788. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 401 

tion ill lineal descent from John Alden, of whom and Pris- 
cilla Mullins Longfellow sings. Among them too we no- 
tice Samuel Eddy,^ for many years a Fellow and secretary 
of the corporation, and Jonathan Maxcy, President Man- 
ning's successor in office. Mr. Maxcy- delivered a poem 
on the prospects of Anierica, and the valedictory oration. 



1 Hon. Samuel Eddy, LL.D., was born in Johnston, K. I., March 31, 1769. 
After his graduation he read law, hut he never practised it. In 1798 he was 
elected by the people of Ehode Island Secretary of State, which office he 
held for twenty-one years in succession. Eesigning the secretaryship, he was 
elected, for three terms, from 1819 to 1825, a Representative in Congress- Subse- 
quently he was appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court of Rhode 
Island, which position he occupied for eight years, when ill health compelled 
him to resign. He died February 3, 1839, in the seventieth year of his age. 
Judge Eddy was justly respected for his uprightness and intelligence, and for 
the extent and variety of his attainments. He was no debater, says Prof God- 
dard, but he wrote with uncommon purit}^, accuracy, and force. The volumes 
of the Massachusetts Historical Society are enriched with several contributions 
from his pen. He was thrice married. His last wife was Mrs. Sarah Dwight, 
widow of Gamaliel Lyman Dwight, and daughter of tlie Hon. David Howell. 
She survived him many years, dying recently at an advanced age. 

2 Rev. Jonathan Maxcy, D.D., was born in Attleboro, Mass., Sept. 2, 17G8. 
Immediately upon graduating, at the early age of nineteen, he was appoiuted 
tutor in the college, which position he filled with great acceptance four years, 
or until 1791, when he was chosen pastor of the Baptist church. In 1792 
he assumed the duties of the presidency of the college, having been elected 
President loro tempore. In 1797 he was formally elected President, as appears 
from the records of the corporation. " The splendor of his genius, and his 
brilliant talents as an orator and divine," says Dr. Blake, " had become widely 
known; and under his administration the college acquired a reputation for 
belles-letters and eloquence inferior to no seminary of learning in the United 
States."' " His voice," says the Hon. Tristam Burgess, one of his most devoted 
and admiring pupils, "seemed not to have reached the deep tone of full age; 
but most of all to resemble that of those concerning whom the Saviour of the 
world said, *of such is the kingdom of heaven.' The eloquence of Maxcy 
was mental. You seemed to hear the soul of the man; and each one of the 
largest assembly, in the most extended place of worship, received the slightest 
impulse of his silver voice as if he stood at his ver}' ear. So intensely would he 
enchain attention, that in the most thronged audience you heard nothing but 
him and the pulsations of your own heart. His utterance was not more per- 
fect than his whole discourse was instructive and enchanting." 

In the year 1802, Dr. Maxcy, having resigned his office, was appointed Presi- 

34* 



402 M A X X I X G A X I) Chap. IX. 

The fears and forebodings of Dr. Manning in regard to 
the Confederation proved but too well founded. Not- 
withstanding the efibrts of tlie wisest statesmen, it was 
found inefficient to promote social order, and all those 
paramount interests which it is the design of government 
to foster and protect. Accordingly, in 1787, a national 
convention met at Philadelphia, and proposed a union of 
the States upon a more substantial and popular basis, in 
order that the blessings of freedom might be preserved. 
A small number of the States adopted the New Constitu- 

dent of Union College, Schenectady, N. Y.. as successor of the Eev. Dr. Jona- 
than Edwards, deceased. In relerence to this appointment, vre find iu Forsyth's 
Memoir of the Rev. Dr. Alexander rroudfit (pp. 55-59) a curious and interesting 
letter from the liev. J. B. Johnson, then of Albany, and a Trustee of the col- 
lege, objecting to Maxcy on the ground of his being a Baptist, and hence that 
his influence as such would be unpropitious to the i)ropperity of the institution, 
the support of the college being derived chiefly from those who were opposed 
to the Baptist persuasion, and perhaps had no inconsiderable prejudice against 
them. Another objection was that he appeared to the writer to be a violent 
politician, judging from a Fourth-of-July oration delivered by him, which 
had been praised as containing some very brilliant expressions and keen 
sarcasms against the Anti-Federalists. A third and more serious objection, 
however, was tlic unsoundness of his theological ojiinions, of which the follow- 
ing extract from the preface to his sermon on the death of Manning, republished 
in June, 179G, was quoted as an illustration : " The only thing essential to Chris- 
tian union is love, or benevolent affection. It is, therefore, with me, a fixed 
principle to censure no man except for immorality. A diversity of religious 
opinions, in a state so imperfect, obscure, and sinful as the present, is to be ex- 
pected. An entire coincidence in sentiment, even in important doctrines, is by 
no means essential to Christian society, or the attainment of eternal felicity. 
How many are there, who appear to have been subjects of regeneration, who 
have scarcely an entire comprehensive view of one doctrine of the Bible? Will 
the gates of paradise be barred against these because they did not possess the 
penetrating sagacity of an Edwards or a Hopkins? Or shall these great theo- 
logical champions engross heaven, and shout hallelujahs from its walls, while a 
Priestley, a Trice, and a Winchester, merely for difference in opinion, though 
preeminent in virtue, must sink into the regions of darkness and pain? " 

Notwithstanding these objecliops. Dr. Maxcy, as we have already stated, was 
chosen President of the college. Previous to this event, Avhen only thirty- 
three years of age. Harvard University had conferred on him the honorary de- 
gree of Doctor in Diviuity, such was his celebrity as a scholar and divine. Here 



178G-1788. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 403 

tion, so called, without hesitation, but in most of them it 
met with great opposition. Especially was this the case 
in Massachusetts, where the Federalists and Anti-Feder- 
alists, as the friends and enemies of the Constitution Avere 
pleased to style themselves, were nearly equal in number. 
The convention for the adoption or rejection of this im- 
portant instrument met at Boston, on Wednesday, the 9th 
of January, 1788. It was composed of nearly four hun- 
dred delegates, representing the talent and patriotism of 
the ancient commonwealth, as well as the conflicting in- 
terests of opposing parties. The debates were continued 
for a month, and attracted the most profound attention 
throughout the country. Upon the fate of the Federal 
Constitution here, it was supposed, depended the fate of 
the National Government ; or, as Manning expresses it, 

at Schenectady he ofBciated with increasing reputation until 1804, when he ac- 
cepted the unsolicited appointment of Tresident of South Carolina College, 
with the fond anticipation of finding a warmer climate more congenial to his 
phj-sical constitution. Over this latter institution he presided, with almost 
unprecedented popularity, during the remainder of his life. He died at Colum- 
bia, S. C, June 4, 1820, aged fifty-two years. 

In his person Dr. Maxcy was small of stature, but of a fine and well-proportioned 
figure. His features, says his biographer, were regular and manly, indicating 
intelligence and benevolence, and, especially in conversation and public speak- 
ing they were strongly expressive. Grace and dignity were also combined in 
all his movements. His writings, or " Literary Remains," edited by the Rev. 
Dr. Romeo Elton, were published in 1844, in a handsome octavo volume. Eight 
years later a selection from his " Remains," consisting of collegiate addresses, 
was published in London, making a pleasant little duodecimo volume of one 
hundred and ninety-one pages. This was also edited by Dr. Elton. Dr. Maxcy 
was married to Susan, daughter of Commodore Ezek Hopkins, of Providence, 
a name intimately associated with the history of the Revolution. Besides several 
daughters, they had four sons, all liberally educated; one of whom, the Hon. 
Virgil Maxcy, was killed by the explosion of a gun on board the United States 
steamship Princeton. 

No painted canvas or sculptured marble perpetuates the likeness of President 
Maxcy; but so long, says Elton, " as genius, hallowed and sublimed by piety, 
shall command veneration, he will be remembered in his country as a star of 
the first magnitude." 



404 MANNING AND Chap. IX. 

Massachusetts was considered "the hinge on which the 
whole must turn." As an evidence of the deep interest 
which he felt in this momentous question, we quote from 
Mr. Rowland's Memoir the following passage : — 

" Dr. Manning was extremely solicitous for ratification. He viewed 
the situation of the country with all the light of a statesman and a phi- 
losopher, and as a prudent and well-informed citizen he took his mea- 
sures accordingly. He had saved the college funds through the fluctua- 
tions and storms of one revolution, and he now saw them dissipated and 
lost forever, unless the new form of government should he estahlished. 
He knew that several clergymen with whom he was connected in the 
bonds of religious union were members of the convention, and that they 
were generally opposed to the ratification. He therefore repaired to Bos- 
ton, and attended the debates and proceedings of the convention. His 
most valued and intimate friend, the Rev. Dr. Stillman, was one of 
the twelve representatives of the town of Boston in the convention, and 
zealous for the adoption ; and in their frequent intercourse with their 
friends who were members, they endeavored to remove the objections of 

such as were in the opposition With the Rev. Isaac Backus, who 

was a delegate from the town of Middlcborough, and considered one of 
the most powerful men of the Anti-Federal party, they were not able to 
succeed. The question of ratification was finally carried, by a majority 
of nineteen (one hundred and eighty-seven yeas, and one hundred and 
sixty-eight nays), after a full and able discussion. The writer of these 
sketches well recollects the cordial congratulations with which Dr. Man- 
ning greeted his friends on the decision of this convention, after his return 
from Boston." 

In connection with the facts stated by Howland, we 
cannot forbear to add an incident mentioned by Dr. Wa- 
terhouse, which we find quoted by Prof Goddard. On the 
last day of the session of the convention, and before the 
final question was taken, the President, Gov. Hancock, in- 
vited Dr. IManning to "close the solemn convocation with 
thanksgiving and prayer." Dr. Manning, though taken 
by surprise, immediately dropped on Lis knees, and poured 



1786-1788. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 405 

out his heart in a strain of exalted patriotism and fervid 
devotion, which awakened in the assembly a mingled sen- 
timent of admiration and awe. The impression which he 
made must have been extraordinary ; for, says Dr. Water- 
house, who dined in a large company, after the adjourn- 
ment, " the praise of the Rev. Dr. Manning was in every 
mouth. Nothing but the popularity of Dr. Stillman pre- 
vented the rich men of Boston from building a church for 
Dr. Manning's acceptance." 

In the following letter Manning alludes to his attend- 
ance upon the debates of the Massachusetts Convention : — 



TO THE REV. DR. SMITH. 

Pkotidence, Feb. 11, 1788. 
To THE Rev. Dr. Smith : 

My dear Sir : — This morning was handed me your agreeable favor 
of tlie 30th ult. I am happy to hear that you and yours enjoy health ; 
but sorry that with me you have cause to complain of the low state of 
religion. To be useful, is and must be the wish of every good man ; but 
perhaps we may not always be the most competent judges of our useful- 
ness. God may be doing that by us, which we little think of, that may 
redound to his glory. One or two, I hope, have lately met with a change 
amongst us, and there appears a greater degree of attention than for some 
time past. I continue still to preach to the people as a supply, till Mr. 
Stanford, from New York, arrives, whom the church and congregation 
have unanimously chosen their pastor. He is expected as soon as winter 
breaks. He paid us a visit at the invitation of the committee last Christ- 
mas, and spent two Lord's Days with us to great acceptance. He was to 
have been with us by the middle of this month, but had a three weeks* 
passage back. Elder Asa Hunt called on me last week on his way from 
Virginia, where he has been for several months, having travelled seven 
hundred miles in that State, and preached, I think, seventy times. He 
brings refreshing tidings of the work of the Lord there, and of the great 
increase of our churches. Two most agreeable letters I received from re- 
spectable ministers there, of whom I had not before heard. One of them 



40G MANNING AND Chap. IX. 

mentions that there are about one hundred Baptist churches in that State, 
averaging each at least one hundred members. Great additions are daily 
making to them, and they call aloud for ministers of education. I never 
wanted to visit that country so much as now. 

The college continues gradually to increase. The expense of boarding 
in commons, tuition, room-rent, and library and apparatus privileges, 
granting one fourth of the year for vacations, amounts to just £20 5s. 9d. 
lawful money (about sixty-eight dollars) at present, but I expect the com- 
mons will be lowered as soon as stability in government takes place, — a 
period I now hope not far distant. "Wood is about twelve shillings per 
cord ; and other incidental expenses as moderate here, or more so, than at 
Dartmouth. Two of our young men the Commencement before were at 
Dartmouth, Gov. Bowen's son and Mr. Nicholas Brown's son, who made 
particular inquiry, and they assure me that the expense of living equally 
well was greater there than here. I make not a doubt but he would find 
his account in coming to Providence, and we should be happy to receive 
him and do well by him. I hoped to have more particulars of your last 
fall tour. The reason of Brother Gano's leaving New York, is want of 
an adequate support, which fails through the opposition of a certain Mr. 
Robbins and his adherents in that church, who wish to goveni it in their 
own way. 

I felt so deeply interested in the adoption of the new Federal Constitu- 
tion by your State, that I attended the debates in convention more than 
a fortnight, and expected to have seen you at Boston on that occasion. I 
considered Massachusetts the hinge on which the whole must turn, and am 
happy in congratulating you on the favorable issue of their deliberations. 
I am mortified to find Father Alden among the nays. The good work at 
New London and its vicinity, I am told, increases, and lias spread to 
Norwich ; and there is a great awakening where Grow used to preach, 
and in Canada Parish. Please to present my best respects to Mrs. Smith 
and family and other friends, in which Mrs. Manning joins with, dear sir, 

Yours, 

James M.vnning. 



From this time Dr. Manning held no political office, al- 
though he always took a prominent part in public affairs, 
and was thoroughly familiar with the discussions and con- 
troversies of the day. The final adoption of the Federal 



1786-1788. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 407 

Constitution by the people of Rhode Island, notwithstand- 
ing the persistent and bitter hostility of its opponents, 
was a result due in no small measure, doubtless, to his wise 
counsels and superior influence. We present his corres- 
pondence for the remainder of the year, commencing with 
a letter from the Rev. Dr. Rippon of London. 

London, Feb. 14, 1788. 
Reverend and dear Sir : 

I have but a few minutes to spare this forenoon, which should have 
been devoted to your service, having passed in company, which unexpect- 
edly has detained me. However, I most sincerely thank you for the short 
but comprehensive sketch of religious affairs communicated in your last 
of September, 1787, and also for your respectful introduction of the Selec- 
tions^ at the Chelmsford Association. The first edition of three thousand 
is gone, except about fifty books, and the second edition, I hope, will be 
quite printed off in April next. In case it meets with tlie approbation of 
our American brethren, and there is any probability of its spread, would 
it be against any rule of your Association to advertise the second edition ? 
I have mentioned this to one or two brethren on your side of the water. 
No book printed in any time has had so rapid a sale among the Baptists 
as this. 

With this please to accept a pamphlet or two, by which you will see in 
some measure what we are about in this country. The three denomina- 
tions of Presbyterians, Independents, and Anti-Pedobaptists in this city are 
united together by a political bond. We met about a week since, and drew 
up a petition to Parliament for the abolition of the slave trade. The 
meeting was perfectly unanimous. We fear that there will be great op- 
position to the petition, but we hope to prevent the importation of any 
more slaves, from Africa at least. The petitions to be presented by clerical 
and political bodies are likely to be numerous and very general. While 
so many thousands are nobly engaged in this, the cause of humanity, may 
you succeed in your own peculiar career, distinguished from every other 
by a " gloiy that excelleth." 

1 " A Selection of Hymns from the best authors, intended to be an. Appendix 
to Dr. Watts's Psalms and Hymns. By John Kippon, A.M." 12mo. London. 
Printed by Thos. Wilkins; and sold on weekdays at the vestry of Mr. Kippon's 
meeting-house. 1787. 



408 MANNING AND Chap. IX. 

You mention the number of sixty students. Of what advantage may 
the wise and good among these be, not only to the present but future gen- 
erations ! Long may you live, and under your auspices may the college 
enjoy your felicity; and in a remote period, when the public prints an- 
nounce that Dr. Manning was, may it be said, *'He shone through a 
long -lengthened day, the ornament and boast of all his connections, and 
then set, like the sun, to rise and shine forever." 

Indeed, dear sir, I do feel a great union of heart to you, and to many 
of our brethren on your side of the Atlantic. It would be an unutterable 
joy were it in my power to do them any service, but if I can show my 
love to them no other way, 

" My soul shall pray for Zion still, 
While life or breath remains ; 
Tliere my best friends, my kindred dwell, 
There God my Saviour reigns." 

Mr. Stillman's account of Miss Stillman's death was very affecting and 
edifying. How plain it is that true religion is produced in the heart of 
good men by " the self-same spirit " ! 

I shall rejoice to have a long letter from you, as you would have had 
from me but for the reason mentioned before. I have not time to read 
this scrawl, but I should suppress some of the first emotions of my mind, 
were I not to subscribe myself ever, ever very affectionately, 

Your obliged brother in Christ, 

John Kippon 

P. S. — Please to remember me to Doctor Drowne. I hope to write 
him, and shall be very glad to receive a line from him. 

TO THE KEY. THOMAS USTICK, THILADELPHIA. 

Providence, Aug. 21, 1788. 
My DEAR Brother: 

Yours of June 10th was long in coming, but is now before me. I am 
glad to hear that you are so happily restored as to be able to preach to 
the people, but sorry that you have reason to complain of the low state 
of religion amongst you. I hope you may see better days in Philadel- 
phia. It is a complaining time, in general, among ministers. Perhaps 
they themselves, if properly engaged, might in part prevent the cause of 
it. My own difficulties, I know, call for the exercise of Christian forti-. 
tude, but I find it easier to talk of than to exercise it. I thank you, how- 



178G-1788. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 409 

ever, for the just remarks contained in your letter. I agree with you that 
the gospel is an estimable jewel, which we cannot too highly prize. May 
we be properly anointed by the glorious hopes which it is calculated to 
inspire. 

Brother Caleb Blood, of Newtown, is the person whom I mentioned to 
have removed to Vermont. Our Brother Joseph Grafton, of this town 
and church, is ordained and settled in his place, whose labors appear to 
be owned amongst that people. He was here last week. Elders Backus, 
Hunt, and Williams have lately visited us, who are well. I am told that 
there is a happy revival at Bridge water, under the ministry of Brother 
Robinson. Nothing new respecting the college has occurred since our 
last. Possibly I may see you this fall at Philadelphia, as I have thoughts 
of visiting New York. Please to make my best respects to Mrs. Ustick 
and the family, in which Mrs. Manning unites, with, dear sir. 

Your unworthy brother, 

James Majtotng. 

TO THE EEY. DR. SMITH. 

Pkovidence, June 10, 1788. 
Dear Sir : 

Yours of the 6th inst. came to hand a few hours since, by Mr. Messcr.i 

We have examined and entered the young gentleman into the Sophomore 

class, though he had not read quite so much as the class. His abilities 

1 Eev. Asa Messer, D.D., LL.D. He was born in Methuen, Mass., in the year 
1769. His father was a farmer on the banks of the Merrimac. At the age of 
thirteen he left the town school iu his native place, and went to live in Haver- 
hill, where for nearly a year he was clerk in a wholesale grocery store. Having 
given up his clerkship, he studied for a short time under the instruction of the 
Eev. Dr. Hezekiah Smith, and then finislied his preparation for college at 
Windham, New Hampshire. He graduated in 1790. Soon afterwards he be- 
came interested iu religious truth, was baptized, and received into the fellow- 
ship of the church in Providence, of which Dr. Maxcy was then pastor. By 
this church he was, in 1792, licensed to preach, and in 1801 he received ordina- 
tion. He was elected a tutor of the college in 1791, and remained in this oiDce 
till he was elected, in 1796, Professor of the Learned Languages. In 1799 he 
was appointed Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy; and this 
station he continued to hold until the resignation of Dr. Maxcy, in 1802, when 
he was chosen President. For twenty-four years he presided over the affairs 
of the college; diligently and efficiently participating in the duties of instruc- 
tion, and supervising, with no common practical sagacity, its disordered finan- 
ces. In 1826 he resigned the office of President. Possessing, says his biographer, 

35 



410 MAXXING AND Chap. IX. 

and proficiency appear very good ; and from your commendation of him 
we Iiopc the will do well. Am obliged to you for your interest in for- 
warding him. 

I rejoice to hear of the Lord's work at Byficld and Rowley. Hope it 
may become universal. Then Haverhill and Providence will receive a 

a handsome competence, the fruit in part of his habitual frugality, he was en- 
abled to pass the remainder of his life in the enjoyment of independent leisure. 
After his retirement from collegiate toils, his fellow-citizens of Providence 
elected him, for several years, to responsible municipal trusts; and these trusts 
he discharged with his characteristic punctuality and uprightness. lie died 
October 11, 1836, in the sixty-eighth year of his age. 

Dr. Messerwas married to Deborah Angell, by whom he had four children, a 
son that died in infancy, and three daughters. The youngest daughter was 
married to the late Hon. Horace 3Iann, and the second to Sidney Williams, Esq., 
of Taunton, Mass. Mr. Williams now resides on the paternal estate. The eldest 
daughter was never married. 

Dr. Messer's " religious opinions," says Prof. Goddard, " especiallj' for the last 
twenty years of his life, corresponded nearly to those of the General Baptists 
of England. He was a strenuous advocate for the supremacy of the Scriptures, 
and for their entire sufficiency in matters of faith and practice. As a preacher, 
he wanted the attractive graces of elocution; but he never failed to address to 
the understanding and the conscience the most clear and cogent exhibitions of 
the great practical truths of the Bible. For what is termed polite literature he 
had no particular fondness, but he was a good classical scholar, and was well 
versed in the mathematics and the several branches of natural philosophy. In 
moral science, also, we have known few better rcasoners or more successful 
teachers. In fine. Dr. Messer was remarkable rather for the vigor than the 
versatility of his powers; rather for solid acquirement than for captivating 
embellishments; rather for wisdom than for wit; rather for grave processes of 
ratiocination than for the airy frolics of fancy. In 1S21 he received from 
Harvard University the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity, having previ- 
ously received the same degree from his Alma Mateu, and that of Doctor of 
Laws from the University of Vermont." 

" I cannot remember," says the Rev. Dr. E. A. Park, in a recent letter which 
he furnished for Sprague's Annals of the American Pulpit, " the time when I 
was not familiar with the countenance of President Messer. Before I entered 
college I saw him every week, and while I was a member of college I saw him 
every day; and no one who has ever seen him can ever forget him. His indi- 
viduality was made unmistakable by his physical frame. This, -while it was 
above the average height, was also in breadth an emblem of the expansivcness 
of his mental capacity. A 'long head ' was vulgarly ascribed to him, but it 
was breadth that marked his forehead; there was an expressive breadth in his 
maxillary bones; liis broad sliuulders were a sign of the weight which he was 
able to bear; his manner of walking was a noticeable symbol of the reach of 



1786-1788. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 411 

blessing. Am surprised that mine in answer to yours of March 17, and 
every other I have received, has not reached you. I have been punctual 
in writing, and giving you all the information I could. Our wicked State 
has rejected the Constitution by the town meetings to which the Legisla- 
ture sent it, instead of complying with the recommendation of the Gen- 
eral Convention. Our rulers are deliberately wicked, but the people of 
some of the towns begin to wake up since South Carolina has adopted 
the new Constitution, and Massachusetts has so effectually crushed 
Shayism. My visit to New York was very short and full of business, so 
that I did not go to visit one of my brothers or sister, though I Avas at 
the Plains. My object was to assist Brother Gano oiF for Kentucky, 
wliich took up all my time. I heard from none of your fi'iends. Indeed, 
I had no opportunity. Mr. Gano with his family left the Plains the first 
Wednesday in May. Many families of his people, Mr. Van Horn's 
and Mr. Hart's, are gone also, and more are proposing. A surprising 
spirit of emigration prevails there. The church at New York are Avith- 
out a supply, and probably will be for a time. Mr. Stanford is still very 
acceptable to all evangelical hearers. The house is pi-etty full, but he 
meets with some trials. Two Aveeks ago Mr. Alison of BordentOAvn paid 
us a visit, and entered a 3'oung gentleman in the Junior Class. 

The college has more students than ever it had ; consequently my scr- 
Adces are greater than ever. Our oldest tutor, Robbins, has been unable 
to do any duty since last December, and is gone to Connecticut, five Aveeks 
since, from Avhom Ave have had no certain accounts. I doubt his ever 
being aa'cII again, or taking his place in college. So you see I must deny 
myself the pleasure of attending the Ncav Hampshire Association. The 
state of religion in York is not as promising as in times past. Near 

his mind; he swung his cane far aud Avide as he Avalked, and no observer would 
doubt that be AA-as an independent man ; he gesticulated broadly as he preached ; 
his enunciation was forcible, now and then OA'crAvhelming, sometimes shrill, 
but was characterized by a breadth of tone and a prolonged emphasis Avhich 
added to its momentum, and made an indelible impress on the memory. His 
pupils, Avhen they had been unfaithful, trembled before his expansive froAAni, 
as it portended a rebuke which Avould Avell-nigh devour them; and they felt a 
dilating of the whole soul when they A\-ere greeted Avith his good and honest 

and broad smile As a son, brother, husband, father, he Avas the central 

object of attraction, and the beams of joy and love uniformly radiated from 
him OA'er all the inmates of his happy home." 

It is exceedingly to be regretted that no portrait or engraving exists to per- 
petuate the likeness of this remarkable man. 



412 MANNING AND Chap. IX. 

Peekskill and higher up it flourishes, and so it does in the Jerseys under 
the ministry of Brother Wilson. The York church has sent out a flam- 
ing young preacher, Tommy Montague, who outshines us all they say. 
I think the church at York have some thoughts of Brother Foster at 
Newport, and he of them. He visits them by request in July. My spring 
letters from London bring nothing of importance now, except the com- 
pletion of the second edition of Mr. Booth's treatise on Baptism, which 
is much enlarged. I have not perused it. My best love to Mrs. Smith 
and family, in which, as well as to yourself and all friends, Mrs. Man- 
ning cordially unites with, dear sir, 

Yours, etc., 

James Manning. 

The Commencement for this year occurred on Wed- 
nesday, Sept. 3. As the day, says the passing record, 
was fine, so the concourse of people was prodigious. The 
procession — composed of the corporation and the officers, 
of the graduates and the students, of the clergy and other 
literati, from abroad in greater numbers than ever attended 
here before — began in the usual order at college, about 
eleven o'clock in the morning, and was escorted by the 
gallant company of artillery commanded by Col. Tilling- 
hast to the Baptist meeting-house. In looking over the 
order of exercises on this occasion, we notice, besides the 
salutatory oration in Latin, an oration in Hebrew on the 
eloquence of the Scriptures, an oration in French on let- 
ters in general, an oration in Greek on the impoitance of 
encouraging genius, a dialogue in blank verso on the sit- 
uation and prosi)ects of America, and a comic dialogue to 
ridicule false learning. As was the custom at all the ear- 
lier Commencements of the college, the exercises were con- 
tinued through the day, with a recess at noon. The vale- 
dictory oration was pronounced by Amos Maine Atwell, 
of Providence. Among those who graduated on this oc- 



1786-1788. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 413 

casion, was James Burrill,^ who for sixteen years was suc- 
cessively elected, amid all the vicissitudes and competi- 
tions of party, to the responsible office of Attorney Gen- 
eral of Rhode Island, and who was afterwards a member 
of the United States Senate. 

FROM THE REV. MORGAN EDWARDS. 

Philadelphia, Aug. 18, 1788. 
My old Acquaintance : 

I am now thinking how long it is since you and I have seen each oth- 
er's face or perused each other's letters ; and what the reason is, and 
whose fault (if a fault) it is. But as the inquiry hardly deserves a de- 
cision, I let all pass in silence, that I may proceed to inquire after your 
present state of liealth. I hope this will find you in a comfortable situa- 
tion ; at least I wish it may. I feel as well and as strong as an old man 
of sixty-seven years can expect to be. 

Some years ago I sent you a manuscript ; whether you received it or 
not I cannot say. It was a collection of some historical facts relative to 
the Baptists. If you have the book, please return it to me as soon as con- 
veniency offers. Herewith I send you a small piece newly published. 
Your remarks upon it will be interesting to me as an editor, especially 
if it should pass through another edition. 

My love and good wishes attend you and yours. 

M. Edwards. 

1 Hon. James Burrill, LL.D., was born in Providence, in 1772. He was prepared 
for college by William Wilkinson, Esq., then an eminent classical and mathe- 
matical teacher in that town. He graduated at the early age of sixteen, and 
after completing his professional studies commenced, at the age of nineteen, the 
practice of the law in his native town. So rapid was his rise at the bar, that, 
at the age of twenty-five, he was elected by the people to the oflSce of Attorney 
General, and this oflBce he continued to hold for about sixteen years, until bod- 
ily infirmity compelled him to retire from the bar. In 1816 he was elected Chief 
Justice of the Supreme Court of Rhode Island, and a few months afterwards 
a Senator in Congress. He attended only four sessions of that body, — his val- 
uable life having been prematurely terminated by a pulmonary disease, Dec. 25, 
1820, in the forty-ninth year of his age. " During his short career in Congress," 
says Prof. Goddard, " Mr. Burrill won for himself a very high rank. To the 
Senate of the United States there perhaps never had belonged a more useful 
legislator or a more practical statesman. All who knew Mr. Burrill marvelled 
35* 



414 MANNING AND Cuap. IX. 

FEOM THE REV. DR. EVANS. 

Down End, near Bristol, Sept. 20, 1788. 
Dear Sir : 

As a memorial of my friendship, and some slight atonement for former 
neglects, I write you this billet by my dear Brother and Sister Mullett, 
to thank you for your former attentions to the first, and to commend them 
both to your further notice. Our anxieties and emotions at parting with 
those we have so much reason to love, and especially with a sister en- 
deared to us fi'om her earliest infancy by every quality that can render 
any character truly respectable and truly amiable, are not to be de- 
scribed. But we cast all our care on that God who careth for all those 
who trust in him, and has promised not to leave nor forsake them. 

I enclose you a few Association letters, etc., which may give you more 
information than I have leisure to communicate. Dr. Stennett's Sermons 
on the Parable of the Sower you have doubtless seen. They are truly 
excellent, as giving the best instructions to preachers as well as hearers. 
I would also recommend to your notice Dr. Priestley's Lectures on His- 
tory, as tlie best book on that interesting subject I ever met Avith. If I 
can I will herewith send it, and beg your acceptance of it for the library 
of your college. I wish also to acquaint you with the reasons we have to 
expect soon a capital history of the Baptists, by William Robinson of 
Cambridge, and if possible, will get some of his letters to me on that sub- 
ject transcribed for that purpose. 

It gives me no small concern to find your government making so dis- 
graceful a figure amongst the other sister States. Surely, if they knew 
how foreigners look upon them, they would blush. I should, however, 
have scarcely ventured to say this, if I could not have added that I am 
happy to find the town of New Providence shines forth as a luminous 
spot upon this dark mass, and ajjpears the brigliter for tlic darkness which 
surrounds it. 

What shall I say to tempt you to renew a correspondence you have 

at the opulence of his resources, and at his power to command them at pleasure, 
lu the operations of his mind there was no indication of excess, of feebleness, 
or of confusion. On the contrary, he was always judicious, luminous, and for- 
cible — master of an infinite variety of facts and principles, and ever ready in 
applying them, lie seldom wrote, although he was capable of writing well; 
and it is sad to think that his fame, as a lawyer and as a statesman, must soon 
become only a matter of dim traditionary recollection." 



1786-1788. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 415 

hitherto found so fruitless 1 May I not remind you that it is more blessed 
to giv^e than to receive 1 And you have much to give which will be thank- 
fully received, though you may receive little or nothing in return. I shall 
also be glad to hear of the general state of religion in America, of the 
progi'css of civilization, etc., etc., in Kentucky, the prosperity of the Bap- 
tist college, the health and usefulness of its worthy President, etc. And 
you may possibly, now my connections with America are so tender, find 
me a more punctual, if not a more intelligent correspondent than I have 
hitherto been. Dr. Priestley's writings in the theological line you are 
probably no stranger to, and surely he has gone to the ne plus ultra of her- 
esy. Further he cannot go and retain the na7ne of Christian, for the sub- 
stance of Christianity he has long since discarded. I am preaching a few 
sermons on the atonement, in opposition to his strange, unsupported 
notions. Such doctrines cannot long prevail. They have no internal 
energy. 

I have heard an excellent character of the son of the late Jonathan Ed- 
wards. Can you give me any anecdotes respecting him 1 

I remain, dear sir, with every wish the sincerest friendship can dictate 
for you and your family and extensive connections. 

Your affectionate friend and brother, 

Caleb Evans. 

P. S. — I write this in haste, at a country retreat four miles from town, 
and have not my papers with me, or I would make a regular acknowl- 
edgment of your repeated favors before and since the safe arrival of the 
books. 

I had like to have forgot to say, do you want a good linguist to as- 
sist in the college oi- grammar school with you, or to send to Kentucky? 
A young man of this description left our academy last vacation, who, 
having few friends here, and a very slender voice, which is a bar to his 
popularity, seems willing to go abroad could he have any encouragement. 
He is a good young man, has very tolerable talents as a preacher, and is 
an excellent mechanical scholar in Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Syriac, and has 
some knowledge of the first rudiments of the mathematics. He is defi- 
cient in a general course of knowledge and reading, but habituated to dil- 
igence, and very capable of improvement. I should have kept him here 
another year, had not some particular circumstances prevented it. I 
really think he might be an important acquisition in such a department 
as I have mentioned, and I am persuaded he would come over upon very 
moderate encouragement. 



416 MANNING AND Chap. IX. 

TO THE REV. DR. SMITH. 

Providence, Dec. 17, 1788. 
Dear Sir : 

Yours of the 25th ult. came safe to hand. Am sorry for and sympa- 
thize with you in your trials, but God means them for good to you ; though 
we ai-e impatient, oftentimes, under the salutary discipline of a heavenly 
parent. I cannot bear to think of your leaving Haverhill. I hope God 
has work for you to do there yet, and is now preparing you for it. I 
should be sorry should you come to a resolution of taking your son from 
college. I hope you may yet see a brighter sky, which will encourage you 
to proceed. The conduct of the people I doubt not is trying. You did 
well in not being precipitate. We must let our moderation be known, and 
indeed we need much of it. I hope you meet with success in the petition to 
the House of New Hampshire, but fear, as their session was so short, they 
did not take that up ; if not, I hope they Avill when they meet next. Am 
glad to hear that things were agreeable at Mr, Wood's settlement at Ware. 
I hope he will prove a blessing to them. I think him a valuable man. 

The abridgment of Dr. Gill, through the scarcity of money, is stopped 
for the present, as very little encouragement has yet been given for the 
work. Dr. Jones himself does not expect it Avill go on, and the money 
which Avas put into my hands for that purpose I have returned long since. 
Thus endetli that lesson. 

Your son, I think, wants a little more stability ; he seems to fluctuate 
too much. Upon giving him your letter to mc to read, he seemed to con- 
clude he is not likely to come to college any more. Instability is natural 
to young minds, but it may be checked in some degree by proper culture ; 
and a parent greatly beloved can accomplish this the best. Mr. Stanford 
has hinted to the people that they are not to expect his stay after the 
expiration of the term agreed on ; but the committee have within a few 
days past had two meetings, the last of which was with him, and are de- 
termined to use their influetice to prevent it. With sentiments of esteem, 
and love to Mrs. Smith, in which Mrs. Manning joins, I am, etc., 

James Manning. 

It seems proper in this chapter, which illustrates more 
particularly Dr. Manning's political character and life, to 
give some account of liis efforts in behalf of popular edu- 
cation. 



1786-1788. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 417 

The late Samuel Thurber, in a letter addressed to Judge 
Staples, which we find in his Annals of Providence, says 
of schools, that, "previous to about the year 1770, they 
were but little thought of. There were," he says, " in my 
neighborhood, three small schools, with perhaps a dozen 
scholars in each. Their books were the Bible, spelling- 
book, and primer. One kept by John Foster, Esq., in his 
office ; one by Dr. Benjamin West. Their fees were seven 
shillings and sixpence per quarter. One kept by George 
Taylor, Esq., for the church scholars. He, it was said, re- 
ceived a small compensation from England. Besides these 
there were two or three women schools. When one had 
learned to read, write, and do a sum in the rule of three, 
he was fit for business." " The Rev. James Manning," Mr. 
Thurber remarks in another place, " did great things in the 
way of enlightening and informing the people. Schools 
revived by means of his advice and assistance. Previous 
to him it was not uncommon to meet with those who 
could not write their names." 

The leading facts pertaining to the history of popular 
education in Providence are given by Judge Staples. 
That Manning was prominent in all efforts made in his 
day for the improvement of society and the public good, 
is evident from the tenor of his life and correspondence 
thus far. He was a member of the school committee of 
the town, and for many years the chairman. One of the 
last acts of his life was to draw up a report in favor of the 
establishment of free public schools, which report was pre- 
sented at an adjourned town meeting held in the State 
House, Monday, Aug. 1, 1791, only two days after the 
author had been followed to the tomb. We shall be par- 
doned if we give an extract from this valuable report, 
which, although not carried into immediate execution, was 



418 MANNING AND Chap. IX. 

cordially received and adopted at the time, and which, 
doubtless, paved the way for the introduction, a few years 
later, of the present free-school system of Providence. 

It seems that, at the annual town meeting in June, a pe- 
tition had been presented, praying that a sufficient number 
of schoolmasters be appointed to instruct all the children 
in town at the public expense ; which petition was referred 
to the school committee, of which Manning was chairman, 
wdth instructions to report thereon at an adjourned meet- 
ing. The report thus begins : — 

" To the freemen of the town of Providence, to be convened next by ad- 
journment, the underwritten members of your school committee, in 
pursuance of your resolution at your last meeting-, report : — 
After the most deliberate and mature consideration of the subject, we 
are clearly of opinion that the measure proposed by the petitioners is eli- 
gible, for many reasons. 

1 . Useful knowledge, generally diffused among the people, is the sur- 
est means of securing the rights of man, of promoting the public pros- 
perity, and perpetuating the liberties of a country. 

2. As civil community is a kind of joint tenancy in respect to the 
gifts and abilities of individual members thereof, it seems not improper 
that the disbursements necessary to qualify those individuals for useful- 
ness should be made from common funds. 

3. Our lives and properties, in a free state, are so much in the power 
of our fellow-citizens, and the reciprocal advantages of daily intercourse 
are so much dependent on the information and integrity of our neighbors, 
that no wise man can feel himself indifferent to the progress of useful 
learning, civilization, and the preservation of morals in the community 
where he resides. 

4. The most reasonable object of getting wealth, after our own wants 
are supplied, is to benefit those who need it ; and it may with great pro- 
priety be demanded, in what way can those whose wealth is redundant 
benefit their neighbors more certainly and permanently than by furnish- 
ing to their children the means of qualifying them to become good and 
useful citizens, and of acquiring an honest livelihood? 

5. In schools established by public authority, and whose teachers are 



1786-1788. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 419 

paid by the public, there will be reason to Jiopc for a more faithful and 
impartial discharge of the duties of instruction, as well as of discipline 
among the scholars, than can be expected when the masters are depend- 
ent on individuals for their support." 

The report goes on to recommend that the " Brick 
Schoolhouse " and " Whipple Hall " be purchased of the 
proprietors, and that two additional houses be erected, one 
on the west side of the river. It also recommends that 
the four schools thus established be under the care and 
supervision of the school committee, who shall appoint the 
necessary instructors. It is signed by James Manning, 
Enos Hitchcock, Moses Brown, Joseph Snow, Moses Bad- 
ger, Jabez Bowen, David Howell, Benjamin Bourn, John 
Dorrance, Theodore Foster, and Welcome Arnold. Prov- 
idence, July (seventh month), 1791. Although, as we 
have already stated, this report was adopted, its provisions 
were not carried into effect until the year 1800, w^hen the 
General Assembly passed their first act in relation to free 
schools, in accordance with a petition to this effect from 
the Providence Association of Mechanics and Manufactur- 
ers, drawn up and presented by John Howland. On the 
last Monday in October, 1800, four schools were opened 
in Providence, under the most favorable auspices. 



CHAPTER X. 



1789-1791. 

Letter from Rev. Dr. Gordon, illustrating his political views, and his position 
in England as the historian of the American war — Manning appointed to 
draft and present to Congress a petition in behalf of Rhode Island — Address 
to the Graduating Class of 1789 — Jeremiah B. Howell — James Feuner — 
Manning's customary charge to candidates for the ministry — Letter to Rev. 
Abraham Booth — Booth's reply — Letter from Rev. Dr. Evans — Letter to 
Rev. Dr. Smith — Religious interest in Providence — Tutor Flint — Fiualadop- 
tion of the Federal Constitution in Rhode Island — George Washington's visit 
to Providence — Reception at the College— Address of. President Manning 
in behalf of the Corporation — Washington's reply — Commencement for 
1790 — Moses Brown — Degree of LL.D. conferred on Wasliington — Anec- 
dote respecting him — Letter to Rev. Dr. Smith respecting Asa Mcsser, Tutor 
Flint, etc. — Ordination of Mr. Flint — Letter from Rev. Abraham Booth — 
Letter from Rev. Dr. Rippon — Letter from Rev. Dr. William Richards, of 
Lynn, England — Announces his intention of bequeathing his library to 
Rhode Island College — Account of Mr. Richards — Corresponds with Presi- 
dent Messcr — Bequeaths his library to the University — Last letter from 
Manning, addressed to Rev. Dr. Smith — Manning preaches his farewell sermon 
to the people of his charge — Notifies the Corporation of the College to look 
out for a successor to till his place — Singular presentiment of his approaching 
mortality — His death — Universal sorrow and regret — Proceedings of the 
Corporation — Funeral — Extracts from Maxcy's Funeral Sermon —Letter 
on the occasion of ilauniiig's death from Rev. Dr. Stillman, addressed to 
Rev. Dr. Smith — Letter from Hon. David Ilowell, in behalf of members of 
the Corporation, announcing Manning's death to Rev. Dr. Samuel Jones, and 
in an informal manner designating him as his successor in the Presidency — 
Letter from Rev. Isaac Backus to Bcv. Dr. Rippon — Extracts from Simeon 
Doggett's Commencement "Oration on the Death of Rev. President Manning " 
— Extracts from the circular letters of the Warnjn and Philadelphia Associa- 
tions—Manning's personal appearance, habits, character, and influence, as 
given by lion. David IIowcU — Original portrait of Manning, by Cosmo Alex- 
ander — Manning's corpulency — Conclusion— The College founded by Bap- 
tists to secure for the churches an educated ministry — The improvement and 
elevation of the Baptist denomination through the College the object and aim 
of Manning's entire professional life. 



1789-1791. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 421 

From this date Dr. Manning, it appears, did not preserve 
copies of his letters abroad, as had heretofore been his 
custom. We can only therefore present, besides one or 
two additional letters of his own, a few replies from his 
friends, which will doubtless be regarded as an interesting 
part of his correspondence. The following, from the Rev. 
Dr. Gordon, will serve to illustrate the author's position 
and views as the historian of the American war. 

RiNGWooD, England, Feb. 27, 1789. 
My good Ekiend : 

I am mistaken or you are indebted to rae for an answer to my last letter. 
You might delay sending it till you heard where I was settled ; and this 
you will not do by the present means, but the reverse. You will inquire 
after the situation of Ringwood, and the reason of my being here. You 
know I have a pleasure in gratifying you ; and therefore turn to your 
map of England, look for Hampshire, find out Pool, next the church, 
which is twelve miles off, then Christ's Church, which is ten in the con- 
trary direction, then Southampton, which is twenty, and so calculate the 
proper distance between Southampton and Pool, and from Christ Church, 
then make your dot, and you will either hit or be not far from Ringwood 
in imagination. I should be glad to see you in reality, though I should 
be astonished at the sight, and wonder what drove you from the land of 
the whereases, whether the inhabitants are suddenly going from one ex- 
treme to another and becoming all honest, so that they no longer wanted 
your instruction or example, or are being so confirmed in their mal- 
practices as that you had forsaken them, from a conviction that they were 
a set of incurables. Now for the other part of the question. What brought 
me hither 1 Freedom among fi-iends is best, you know ; and therefore, to 
be plain with you, when I had seen to the delivery and sending off' my 
History to the subscribers in London and the country, I pushed off" to 
this retirement for a few months, that I might at the distance of ninety- 
seven miles be out of the way of the conversation that my publication 
would produce. I was sufficiently tired with composing, transcribing, 
and publishing ; and did not wish to have my spirits fatigued more with 
the queries and observations that either malevolence or curiosity might 
excite. I judged it as needful to give myself a few months' relaxation, 
as to turn out to grass for a season an old horse worn down by a long, 
36 



422 MANNING AND Chap. X 

tedious journey, that so lie might recruit and be fit for a little more service. 
Here we shall remain, if spared, at the country house of Mrs. Gordon's 
younger brother, till April or May, when I propose giving a look at Lon- 
don for a few days, on our way to Ipswich in Suffolk, seventy miles from 
the metropolis, eigliteen miles from Colchester, and twelve from Hanvich. 
Here we were first settled and lived thirteen years. Our former people 
and their successors, like their quondam pastor, were the friends of Amer- 
ica, so that we shall agree in politics as well as religion. They have a 
great aiFection for us ; and had there been a vacancy in the pastorate, 
they would, I have reason to believe, have urged my renewing our former 
relations. Here and in the neighborhood I shall be likely to preach oc- 
casionally, while abilities admit ; but though I have great reason to adore 
the goodness of God that I am so well in body and mind, now that I am 
within nine days of sixty, yet I perceive that they are upon tlie decline. 
You will think my eyesight good when you read that I write, as you see, 
whether by day or candlelight. I was in hope that some ministerial 
settlement with a small congregation, and a salary that might have made 
our circumstances more easy, would have offered. But the great Head 
of the chuch has ordered otherwise, — not only with wisdom for the gen- 
eral good, but with mercy for our particular l)cncfit. I do not intend to 
lie by in a state of lazy indolence, but to apply myself to some kind of 
service that may be useful to the church and the public, and yield me, 
with the blessing of God, some advantage to supply present deficiencies. 
What that should be I have not yet determined, and delay till I get into 
a habitation of my own, if an earthly one remains designed for me. But 
I mean it to be of that nature that will not disgrace a D.D., tbe creature 
of Princeton College Trustees. Much will depend upon the voice of the 
public, on both sides of the Atlantic. If the numerous part of impai'tial- 
ists will exclaim loell done, and call for a second edition of my History, the 
way will be plain. The profits arising from it will suffice, especially if the 
heads of American colleges will let me have their orders and their cash 
for the various books that may be wanted in their seminaries and libraries, 
which I might be able to supply them with on lower terms than they now 
have them, by exchanging copies of my work with the booksellers having 
the copyright of such as are to be furnished. Your friendship will lead 
you to improve upon this hint ; and methinks I am entitled to the coun- 
tenance and aid of tlie American States, for my past and present attach- 
ment to their freedom and independence, and for the disadvantages the 
same has subjected me to in my native country. 



1789-1791. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 423 

I had finished writing thus far, and taken a breathing-walk into the 
garden, when yours of September, 1788, was brought to Mrs. Gordon in 
a parcel. Upon opening the last, I had the pleasure of reading that and 
another from the same continent. To Avhat it has been owing that so 
much time has elaj)sed since that day to the present, before the parcel 
reached me, I know not ; but better late than never, and long-looked-for is come 
at last. And now for answers to, and comments upon it. Through divine 
goodness Mrs. Gordon's hand has been so far restored as to be very ser- 
viceable, though not as formerly. The labors I had been called to wliilc 
printing, and which had near exhausted me by the time I had finished, 
led one of my intimate friends to say he was astonished at observing how 
my spirits had kept up. Relaxation, country air, the severe cold of last 
winter, and the pleasures of the present spring, have given to them a fresh 
start ; and I promise myself they will recover their former tone. The 
produce of America just received from New York and Massachusetts has 
raised them some degrees above par. When you read the History, I flat- 
ter myself you will pronounce me the friend of the American cause, and 
that I have pointed out the faults of the United States in divers instances 
without basting them severely. I can go beyond most of the members of 
the old superannuated Congress, or even of the new Federal Constitution, 
and say, I pray daily that the United States of America may be a holy, 
free, and happy people, which is the way to be lasting. It used to be one 
of my petitions that good government might be established among them ; 
but that being answered, I have only to be thankful for it. You will not 
charge me with having spared Great Britain, wlien you are convinced 
how faithfully their cruelties in America are related. Your account of 
Massachusetts merits confirmation, and I hope will obtain it. The infi- 
nitely wise Governor of the universe often makes great evils the parents of 
lasting and great benefits. But where did you leave your orthodox divin- 
ity, when you went from Providence to New York, that you should ven- 
ture to declare, that if my native country does not smart in your lifetime 
for her conduct to the East Indians and Africans, not to say Americans, 
that so you might see it, you should alter your opinions respecting the 
divine dispensations toward communities of men in this world? Me- 
thinks. Brother Doctor, I have caught you napping. Besides, had the 
Americans smarted equal to their crimes toward their public and private 
creditors, the Africans, etc., when you was provoked to leave off" glorying 
in being an American 1 

Our common friend Mr. Rippon will give you fuller and better intelli- 



424 MANNING AND Chap. X. 

gence concerning Winchester than I can do. I wish his most influential 
days may be at an end, unless he goes right about as lie was, to allude to 
a military phrase. May the college at Providence, and all other colleges 
where learning, good morals, and Christian piety are encouraged, flourish 
more and more. And may my friends there continue to enjoy good 
health. I have desired Mr. Mason to accompany this letter with six sets 
of my History to you. One is a present to the college ; the other five are 
for Jabez Bowen, Esq., Messrs. John Brown and Francis Benson, Mr. 
Nicholas Brown, Mr. Caleb Greene, and Mr. John Jenckes. I pray you 
to present my best respects to these gentlemen, to receive the remaining 
five pounds from them, and to forward the same to Jonathan Mason, Jr., 
Esq., Boston. If no other way that is more agreeable offers, either of 
those careful and obliging postridcrs, Messrs. Mumfords, to whom my 
respects, I am certain will take a pleasure in serving me by conveying it. 
It might not perhaps be amiss to hint to them, that if by their peregrin- 
ations they could dispose of twenty-five or fifty sets, I might likely supply 
them at twenty-five shillings sterling per set, delivered at Boston or Prov- 
idence I remain, dear sir, 

Your very affectionate friend though unworthy brother, 

"William Gokdon. 

The services of Dr. Manning were still, it would seem, 
in popular demand at this trying period in the history of 
Rhode Island as a State. From the records of the day, 
we learn that — 

" At an adjourned meeting of the town on Thursday (Aug. 27, 1789), 
a committee, that had been appointed on Tuesday for the purpose, re- 
ported a draft of a petition to be presented to the Congress of the United 
States, setting forth the distressed situation of this State, the probability 
of our soon joining the Union, and praying that vessels belonging to our 
citizens may be exempted from foreign tonnage, and goods shipped from 
this State from foreign duties, for such time and under such regulations 
and restrictions as Congress in their wisdom shall tliink proper. 

"The petition was unanimously voted ; and after having been signed by 
the moderator and town clerk, the Rev. Dr. Manning and Benjamin 
Bourn, Esq., were appointed to proceed to New York and present the 
same." 



1789-1701. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 425 

The committee appointed to draft the petition consisted 
of Dr. Manning, Benjamin Bourn, Thomas Arnold, Nich- 
olas Brown, Theodore Foster, Welcome Arnold, and John 
Brown. The j^etition itself, which was probably drafted 
by Manning, as chairman of the committee, may be found 
in Staples's Annals of Providence. 

Dr. Manning, as we have before observed, presided on 
all Commencement occasions with remarkable dignity and 
grace. His addresses to the graduating class were espe- 
cially noted for excellent good sense, and were pervaded by 
a tone of piety and delivered with an eloquence which 
could hardly fail to produce happy and lasting impressions 
upon the young men, as they stood before him to receive 
final words of counsel and love. The only production of 
this kind that has come down to us, was copied from the 
original, by the Rev. Isaac Backus, several years after the 
author's death. It was delivered at the Commencement 
held Sept. 2, 1789. Among those to whom it was espe- 
cially addressed, we notice the names of Jeremiah Brown 
Howell, afterwards a member of the United States Senate, 
and the late James Fenner, for many years the popular 
and efficient Governor of Rhode Island. Mr. Fenner, it 
may be added, was the valedictorian of his class. 



Having completed your academical course, you now commence mem- 
bers of the great community of the world. Here, while your country 
offers you a fairer opportunity to display your abilities, and improve to 
advantage that knowledge which you have acquired, than any age or 
country ever before presented, it becomes my duty to point you to that 
line of conduct which will most probably insure your success. 

The narrow limits prescribed by the occasion will allow me to hint at 
only a few general observations. 

The first attention of a youth stepping forward into life should be to 
36* 



426 MANNING AND Chap. X. 

acquire and preserve a good character. A destitution of this places him 
beyond the possibility of ever becoming eminent. For, bad as the world 
is, it has always paid a voluntary tribute to virtue ; and though some 
vicious men have arisen to a degree of respectability, it will be found, on 
a nearer view, that they are indebted for that respectability to some virtu- 
ous traits in their character. 

To avail yourselves of this supreme advantage, I cannot recommend 
to you a subject more important and interesting than the Christian relig- 
ion ; of whose divine Founder it was a favorite maxim. Seek first the king- 
dom of God and his righteousness, and all other things shall be added unto 
you. 

This divine religion creates principles in the heart of its subjects the 
most operative, and the best adapted to regulate the life and conduct that 
can possibly be conceived. This at once portrays in the strongest colors, 
the state, connections, and claims of man ; and disrobes the world of all its 
imaginary glory, and presents it in its own fugitive, fading coloi's, the fash- 
ion of which passeth away, while it inspires that unassuming humility 
which renders a man less vulnerable by the envenomed shafts of malevo- 
lence ; it moulds the heart into a divine benevolence, and is the purest of 
that exquisite sensibility wliicli deeply interests itself in the fortunes of 
others, so that it tvecps loith those ivho weepj and rejoices with those icho 
rejoice. 

This divine religion carries forward our thoughts to futurity, contem- 
plates as a reality our dissolution, and that awful approaching judgment 
in which we must all become a party. It places us in that new eternal 
world, reaping the fruits of what we have sown in this. In a word, it 
places us immediately under the eye of God, now the witness of our 
actions, and soon to be our Judge. 

How operative this divine principle to check the irregularity of the pas- 
sions, and guard against the force of temptations ! How divine a prompter 
to the discharge of every obligation we are under to God or man ! 

Next to tliis attention to religion, let me earnestly recommend the form- 
ing betimes the hal)its of industry. Man was made for employment. All 
his internal as well as external powers testify to this great truth. To 
comply with this great dictate of nature is of the utmost importance ; and 
youth, of all seasons of life, is the fittest for this culture. That is the 
period to form and give a j)r()per direction to the habits, on the riglit con- 
stitution of which depends, almost cntii'cly, the hap])iness of man. 

In selecting a profession, consult the strong bias of natural inclination ; 



1789-1791. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 427 

for against this current few if any have made a figure ; and be sure that 
the object lies within reach of your talents. 

Should the Christian ministry with any of you become an object, re- 
flect on the absurdity of intruding into it while strangers to experimental 
religion. See that yourselves have been taught of God before you at- 
tempt to teach godliness to others. To place in the professional chairs of 
our universities the most illiterate of mankind, would be an absurdity by 
far less glaring than to call an unconverted man to exei'cise the ministe- 
rial function. This is to expose our holy religion to the scoffs of infidels, 
and to furnish to their hands the most deadly weapons. I omit to insist 
on the account such must render in the great, tremendous day ! 

May that wisdom which is from above direct your steps in your jour- 
ney through life ; and may you, after the discharge of the duties of good 
citizens, men of science and religion, meet the approbation of the Su- 
preme Judge, and reap the harvest of immortal glory in the world above. 

With this devout wish, I bid you farewell. 

The reader will observe how earnestly and forcibly 
President Manning urges candidates for the ministry to 
seek first of all the " kingdom of God and his righteous- 
ness." This was in accordance with his usual custom on 
all Commencement occasions. On this point we may be 
allowed to quote froni Backus, who, in the Abridgment 
of his Church History, thus writes : " Dr. Manning was a 
good instructor in human learning, but at every Com- 
mencement he gave a solemn charge to his scholars never 
to presume to enter into the work of the ministry until 
they were taught of God, and had reason to conclude that 
they had experienced a saving change of heart." 

TO THE KEY. ABRAHAM BOOTH. 

Providence, Dec. 25, 1789.» 
Dear Sir : 

Your most acceptable favor of July 1 1 , with the package, met me at the 

Association at Philadelphia the 5th of last month. I thank you for 

your expressions of kindness towards me, and your wishes for my useful- 



428 MANNING AND Chap. X. 

ness. Indeed, I cannot but consider myself as a very barren tree in my 
Lord's vineyard. 

The paragraph respecting Dobson's republishing your Pedobaptism I 
showed to the Association, and queried with them whether your painful 
labors and extensive services to the Baptist cause, in that publication, did 
not entitle you to our assistance on this side of the Atlantic, by aiding in 
the sale of the book. They agreed they did ; but as Mr. Dobson had 
circulated proposals, they doubted the propriety of taking the matter up 
till Dobson had given up the design. Thus it remains. 

It seems Mr. Williams has rallied his forces and attacked you. I am 
glad, however, to find that you are not panic-struck at the onset. In- 
deed, I think you have taken a ground too strong to be easily dislodged. 
We should be gratified with a sight of his piece. If the Pedobapiists, in 
general, think it masterly, we doubtless shall soon see it in America. 
The strength of the advocates of that tenet is to sit still. It is too late in 
the day for them to avail themselves, in this age of inquiry, of those plau- 
sible colorings which formerly passed very well for solid arguments. 
At best, if observation has not deceived me, this is the fact with respect to 
America. 

Your Essay on the Kingdom of Christ met a most hearty welcome, and 
its author has my warmest thanks. It was a subject which had emi)loyed 
my thoughts at intervals for several years, and I was almost determined 
to have committed them to paper, with a design to publish them. I am 
happy that I had onlj/ thought of doing it, as the subject has fallen into 
much abler hands. I am most heartily pleased with it, and think it lays 
the axe to the root of that wide-spreading tree, in/ant-baptism and infant 
church membership. 

Your portrait of Winchester is so exactly to the life that all his ac- 
quaintance must see the man in it. The Baptist society still increases in 
the Southern States, especially in Virginia, and I may add the Middle 
States also, especially New York. Mr. Jonathan Maxcy, our youngest 
tutor in the college, a youth of genius and no small degree of literature 
for his age, about twenty-one years old, has lately found Christ, and fol- 
lowed his Lord into the watery grave. Tiiere is another youth under 
serious impressions, and more appearance of attention to divine things 
m the college than for some years past. Our second tutor, Mr. Abel 
Flint, a young Congrcgationalist preacher, has turned his attention to the 
subject of baptism for some weeks past, and your Pedobaptism Exam- 



1789-1791. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 429 

ined has been his almost constant companion. He told me, some days 
since, that if that tenet could not be supported from Abraham's covenant, 
it must fall. If I was as well satisfied of his being a subject of divine 
grace as I am that Maxcy is, I should think him no small acquisition. 
May God grant him grace and guide him into all truth ! Our num- 
ber of students lacks but two of seventy. 

Yours, etc. 

James Manning. 

FROM THE REV. DR. EVANS. 

Bristol, Feb. 22, 1790. 
Dear Sir: 

The literary degree with which the respectable Society over which you 
preside have thought proper to honor me, I duly received, accompanied 
with your truly friendly letter, for which I beg you to accept my beat 
thanks. I rely upon you, sir, to make known my acknowledgments to 
the other members of the college for this mark of distinction and favor, 
and to assure them that it will always give me peculiar pleasure to pro- 
mote the prosperity of so useful and honorable an institution, 

I received from King's College, Aberdeen, the same honor, before the 
degree from America was announced here, so that I consider myself under 
double obligations to take care that I do nothing to discredit the title 
which has been so honorably conferred upon me by two such respectable 
bodies. I not only did not seek this honor, but I ought to decline it ; but 
as it has been so generously decreed me, I think it my duty to receive and 
improve it as a motive to activity and zeal in the sphere in which Provi- 
dence has placed me. 

We are clogged here with test laws, and in vain struggling to get rid 
of them. You know no such shackles. And yet you know what it is to 
have bad men disappoint the desires of the good, and outnumber them in 
their best-intentioned projects. 

Does not the French Revolution astonish you ? It astonishes and de- 
lights me beyond measure. But our great folks here dislike it exceed- 
ingly. The counsel of the Lord, however, shall stand, and he will do all 
his pleasure. 

I am astonished at the resolve of your Association about rebaptizing, 
but refer you to a letter of Mr. Booth's upon the subject, I believe to you. 
Surely you are more narrow than the Papists upon this subject. 

I congratulate you upon the increase of your college and church, and 



430 MANNING AND Chap. X. 

the rising state of the Baptist interest. ^Ye go on as usual, are well at- 
tended, but have few additions. The love of many waxeth cold. We 
have great reason to cry mightily to Him with whom is the residue of the 
Spirit. 

The young man I wrote to you about is in too bad a state of health to 

think of a voyage to America. I rejoice you have rooted out , 

that pest of society, a truly filthy, infamous fellow ; but I know not how 
to refrain asking, How came you ever to admit him, without the least 
testimonial to his character 1 

But I am obliged abruptly to break off, only begging to be favored with 
a line whenever opportunity offers, and that you would believe I truly am 
Your affectionate and obliged friend and brother, 

Caleb Evans. 

FROM THE EEV. ABRAHAM BOOTH. 

London, Feb. 25, 1790. 
Dear Sir : 

Your letter by favor of Mr. Mullet came safe to hand about a fortnight 
ago. So far from being wearied by your circumstantial account of the con- 
duct of , I think myself much obliged to you for it. Unhappy man ! 

I fear he is hardened through the deceiffuhiess of sin. May the Lord have 
mercy on him, and give him repentance. 

I am very much obliged to you for your generous concern on my behalf 
respecting the sale of the second edition of my Pedobaptism Examined. 
That the composing of it required much labor, that I laid out no small 
sum of money in purchasing books, especially on the popish controversy, 
with a view to the new impression, and that I am much more likely to 
lose by it than to gain anything, are facts ; but I am of opinion that, after 
Dr. Dobson had received encouragement to publish proposals for the re- 
printing of it, my brethren in America could not with honor desert him, 
while he continues his design in reference to that affair. 

It gives me pleasure to find that my Essay on the Ivingdom of Christ 
meets with your approbation. The subject is undoubtedly of great im- 
portance, and I sincerely pray that the Lord may bless the pamphlet to 
the promoting of that spiritual kingdom. The first volume of Mr. Kob- 
inson's History of the Baptists has been in the press for these five or six 
months, but it is not yet published. That volume, indeed, is to contain a 
history of baptism, and three more volumes that are to follow, a history of 
the Baptists. A great extent of reading, much wit, and many curious 



1789-1791. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 431 

anecdotes, may be expected to appear in the work whenever it comes out; 
but I have my fears that it will, on the whole, be of no great utility to the 
real cause of Jesus Christ. The author is now known to have adopted 
Dr. Priestley's system in general ; but he is justly considered as far infe- 
rior to the Doctor in respect of candor and of integrity. Dr. Priestley 
speaks out ; you know what he means. Not so the other gentleman. I 
have often thought that if it had not been for his uncommon share of wit, 
he would before now have sunk into universal contempt among serious 
people ; and he is, indeed, much sunk of late in the estimation of num- 
bers. I have been lately well informed that Dr. Priestley considers him 
as doing no honor to any cause. This you will observe, however, is inter 
nos. 

The beginning of January last I received a letter from Dr. Samuel 
Jones, of Lower Dublin, respecting the validity of baptism administered by 
immersion and on a profession of faith, by an unbaptized — that is, Pedobap- 
tist — minister ; on which question he desired my opinion. I have given it, 
in a very long letter enclosed in one to Dr. Stillman of Boston. I have 
sent it unsealed, that Dr. Stillman might have an opportunity of perusing 
it before he sent it off to Dr. Jones. I am very sorry that I was obliged, 
in opposition to the determination of the Association at Philadelphia, to 
take the affirmative of the question ; that is, 1 think such baptism, though 
irregular, valid. If you should by any means have a sight of that letter, 
I should he glad to know your thoughts on the argument contained in it. 
I have expressed my views of the subject with the utmost freedom, and I 
trust without giving any cause of offence to the Doctor. 

My respects, if you have opportunity, to Dr. Drowne. I earnestly pray 
that the Lord may cause his truth to prosper all around you, as I am glad 
to hear it does in Virginia. Winchester seems to be losing ground pretty 
fast ; for some of his principal admirers have turned their backs upon 
him, and have renounced his notion of universal restitution, of which they 
were once extremely fond. Shall be glad to hear from you at any time 
when an opportunity presents. The Lord be with you in all your depart- 
ments of labor and in all your connections. I remain, dear sir, 
Your unworthy brother, 

A. Booth. 



432 MANNING AND Chap. X. 

TO THE KEY. DR. SMITH. 

Pro viDENCE,,.20th. April, 1790. 
Dear Brother : 

I snatch a moment to inform you that the good work still continues, 
and I think has been gradually increasing amongst us since you left. 
Last Lord's Day I baptized two, and a third was prevented by indisposi- 
tion of body. Two profess to have met with a change the last of last 
week. Several profess to have received comfort, but are not fully satis- 
fied. I believe that there are from fifty to one hundred under serious im- 
pressions ; and they crowd the evening meetings whenever and wherever 
they are appointed. Numbers come to my house to converse with me 

about their souls. Many of Dr. H k's peojale attend the evening 

meetings, of whom several appear seriously impressed. Some people, 
you will naturally guess, do not like this, and look rather shy. Poor Mr. 
Flint has come to a point, and must be a Baptist, notwithstanding the 
reproaches he lias to endure ; but he has not full satisfaction about his own 
state. He is amazingly engaged for the persons under awakening, and 
attends meetings whenever he can. He has been sick, but is recovered. 
Mr. Maxcy has been called and licensed, but has been at home some 
time, much indisposed. He is now very ill with the measles. He 
preaches to admiration. Several of the students are also doA\Ti with the 
measles, and others have had them. Not a few of the students are under 
serious impressions. Many of the people here are often wishing to see 
Mr. Smith again ; and, for your encouragement, I can inform you that 
many profess to have been first awakened by your labors amongst us. 
No account has yet been received from Dr. Gano, and I expect to go for 
Jersey the beginning of May. The people really lament and mourn at the 
thought of being left destitute. What think you of coming and making 
another visit to Providence the beginning of next month ? I believe this 
would diffuse a general joy through both church and society. You will find 
work enough to employ you day and night. I heartily wish you could 
come, l)ut I have not had an opportunity of speaking to the committee on 
the subject. I expect they would embrace this opportunity of writing 
you if they knew of this opportunity to send to Boston, — more especially 
if they had not sanguine hopes that Dr. Gano would soon be here ; but 
I really fear some disaster has happened to him. If my wishes could 
bring you to Providence, you would soon be here. Attleboro is visited, 
and several other places. Mrs. Manning joins in love to you and lady, 

with, dear sir, yours, etc., 

James Manning. 



1789-1791. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 433 

On Monday, May 24, of this year, the final State conven- 
tion on the Federal Constitution was held at Newport. 
On Thursday the body adjourned, for more ample ac- 
commodations, from the State House to the Second Bap- 
tist Church, where for three days the great debate between 
the contending parties was continued. At five o'clock on 
Saturday afternoon the final vote was taken. Thirty-four 
members voted to adopt the Constitution, and thirty-two 
voted in the negative. Thus a majority of two votes saved 
the people of Rhode Island from anarchy, and the State 
from dismemberment. 

The news reached Providence before midnight, and was 
announced by the ringing of bells and the booming of can- 
non. The next day the returning delegates were received 
with a national salute of thirteen guns. Again, says Sta- 
ples in his Annals, " patriotism encroached on piety, as 
when the vote for calling the convention passed in the 
preceding January, and the stillness of the Sabbath morn- 
ing was broken by the joyful roar of artillery." 

In about two months after this event, on Tuesday, Au- 
gust 17, President Washington with his suite, accompa- 
nied by Gov. Clinton of New York, Thomas Jefferson, Esq., 
Secretary of State, and several members of Congress, made 
his first visit to Providence. A large procession was 
formed to escort them from the packet in which they 
arrived, and the occasion was made a gala-day throughout 
the town. In the evening, says the Gazette^ " the Presi- 
dent and many others took a walk on the college green, to 
view the illumination of the building by the students, 
which made a most splendid appearance." 

On Thursday, the 19th, the President and his suite were 
escorted to the college by the students, and by Dr. Man- 
37 



434 MANNING AND Chap. X. 

ning introduced to the Library aud Museum, where in be- 
half of the corporation he thus addressed him : — 

Sir : — Though among tlic last to congratulate you on your advance- 
ment to that dignified and important station to which the unanimous voice 
of a grateful country has called you, the corporation of Rhode Island 
College claim to be among the first in warmth of affection for your per- 
son, and in esteem for your public character. In placing you at the head 
of the United States, regard was had no less to the influence of your ex- 
ample over the morals of the people than to your talents in the adminis- 
tration of government. Happy are we to observe, that similar motives 
have influenced your conduct in filling the lower offices in the executive 
department. We must devoutly venerate that superintending Providence 
which, in the course of events propitious to this country, has called you 
forth to establish, after having defended, our rights and liberties. 

Agitated in the hour of doubtful conflict, exulting in your victories, we 
watched your footsteps with the most anxious solicitude. Our fervent 
supplications to Heaven, that you might be furnished with that wisdom 
and prudence necessary to guide us to freedom and independence, have 
been heard and most graciously answered. 

For thej)reservation of this freedom, one great object still demands our 
peculiar attention, — the education of our youth. Your sentiments, sir, 
on this subject, " that knowledge is in every country the surest public basis 
of happiness," and the strongest barrier against the intruding hand of des- 
potism, as they most perfectly accord witli those of the most celebrated 
characters that ever adorned human nature, so they leave no room to ap- 
prehend you will refuse the wreath with which the guardians of literature 
here would entwine your brow. 

By restoring your health, and protracting your life so dear to this coun- 
try. Divine Providence has, in a late instance, furnished to millions matter 
of thanksgiving and praise. 

That you may long remain on earth, a blessing to mankind, and the 
support of your country, — that you may after^vards receive the rewards of 
virtue, by having the approbation of God, — is our most sincere desire 
and fervent supplication. 

This address, wliicli had been formally adopted by the 
corporation, at a sj)ccial meeting lield in tlie State House, 
August 17, was duly presented to the President, signed 



1789-1791. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 435 

by Jabez Bowen, Chancellor; James Manning, President; 
and David Howell, Secretary. To Manning's address in 
behalf of the corporation, President Washington thus re- 
plied : — 

To THE Corporation of Rhode Island College ; 

Gentlemen : — The circumstances which have until this time prevented 
you from offering your congratulations on my advancement to the station 
I hold in the government of the United States, do not diminish the pleas- 
ure I feel in receiving this flattering proof of your affection and esteem, 
for which I request you will accept my thanks. 

In repeating thus publicly my sense of the zeal you displayed for the 
success of the cause of your country, I only add a single suffrage to the 
general testimony which all, who were acquainted with you in the most 
adverse and doubtful moments of our struggle for liberty and indepen- 
dence, have constantly borne in your favor. 

While I cannot remain insensible to the indulgence with which you re- 
gard the influence of my example and the tenor of my conduct, I rejoice in 
having so favorable an opportunity of felicitating the State of RhoLle Isl- 
and on the cooperation I am sure to find in the measures adopted by the 
guardians of literature in this place, for improving the morals of the rising 
generation, and inculcating upon their minds principles peculiarly calcu- 
lated for the preservation of our rights and liberties. You may rely on 
whatever protection I may be able to afford in so important an object as 
the education of our youth. 

I will now conclude, gentlemen, by expressing my acknoAvledgments 
for the tender manner in which you mention the restoration of my health 
in a late occasion, and with ardent wishes that Heaven may pi-osper the 
literary institution under your care, in giving you the best of its blessings 
in this world, as well as in the world to come. 

At the Commencement this year twenty-two young 
gentlemen took their first degree, being the largest num- 
ber that had ever graduated at one time since the college 
was founded. Among them was Moses Brown, youngest 
son of Nicholas Brown, a bright and promising youth, who 
a few months later, just as he had entered upon his six- 



436 MANNING AND Chap. X. 

teenth year, was seized with a disorder which suddenly 
put an end to his life. In this class also graduated the 
third President of Brown University, Asa Messer, of whom, 
we have given a sketcli in the preceding chapter. At 
the close of the exercises, the degree of Doctor of Laws 
was conferred on George Washington,^ President of the 
United States of America. This was the last Commence- 
ment at which Dr. Manning presided. 

TO THE REV. DE. SMITH. 

Pkovidexce, 18th Nov., 1790. 
Dear Brother : 

Yours of the 25th ult. is before me. The tide of business which, on 
my return home, flo^vcd in upon me, prevented my recollecting the case 
of Mr. Messer. But in my jouraey to the West I had him constantly in 
view, but found no opening Avliich I thought worthy his attention. Mr. 
Bead, from Virginia, has not returned, nor have I had any intelligence 
from him respecting a chance for teaching ; so that I cannot at present 
give any encouragement from this quarter, as it was the general opinion 
that it would be imprudent for him, all things considered, to take a place 

1 In reference to this we find the following pleasant anecdote in Eippon's Bap- 
tist Register: — 

" In a conversation between several friendly gentlemen (in London) some time 
since, which turned chiefly on the confinement of Lewis the Little, who, like an 
absolute sovereign, had said to five and twenty millions of people, I will he obey edy 
— contrasted with the popularity of Washington the Great, — it was mentioned 
that the Baptist College in Rhode Island had conferred the degree of Doctor of 
Laws on the Tresident of the United States. While it seemed to be the general 
mind that this distinguished cliaracter in the history of man wouid prefer the lau- 
rels of a college to a crown of despotism, one of the company, it is said, quite 
impromptu, gave vent to the feelings of his heart in the following effusion : — 

' When kings arc mere sovereigns, or tyrants, or tools, 
Ko wonder the people should treat them as fools; 
But Washington, therefore, presides with applause. 
Because lie well merits tiic Doctor of Laws. 
I'll ne'er be a ruler till I'm LL. D., 
Nor England nor Scotland shall send it to me; 
I'll have my diploma from Providence Hall, — 
For Washington had, — or I'll have none at all.' " 



1789-1791. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 437 

in college, till tlie present Senior Class are out of the way. We have ap- 
pointed a Mr. Lyndon Arnold to that office for the present, who has no 
thoughts of continuing more than a year. If Mr. Messer should not fall 
into better business by that time, it would be very agreeable to me to have 
him for an assistant ; and sooner, should Tutor Maxcy leave us, which he 
talks of, though I shall reluctantly agree to it. He has with great J.er- 
suasion consented to supply the pulpit for six months, and does it to 
great acceptance. He has many hearers, and his labors appear to be 
owned. Ho improves amazingly. The good work still prevails, and 
the prospect is as promising at present as at any period past. Our dear 
friend Mr. Jenckes appears almost gone. It is not likely that he will 
stay with us many weeks. Nicholas Brown is in a very poor way, but 
yet goes out. I fear his disorder is radical and will prove fatal. 

Your son's standing shall remain as it has done. The instances of 
Catholicism amongst the Presbyterians are, their opening their houses of 
worship to the Baptists, and flocking to hear them, at Brunswick, Wood- 
bridge, Elizabethtown, Newark, etc. The Association of Daubury con- 
sists of thirteen churches, and there are, probably as many more in that 
quarter which will join them. Tliere has been a great increase of the Bap- 
tists in the western part of Connecticut and in the lower part of York State 
of late. I suppose Mr. Flint has concluded to commence a preacher 
among the Congrcgationalists, and I conclude is about to accept a call to 
the South Parish in Hartford. Either the cross was too heavy to com- 
mence a Baptist, or he had little reason to expect that he should be called 
to the work among us, unless he could give better evidence of a change 
of heart ; or probably something of both had weight in his determination. 
I have said nothing to him on the subject lately, as I was convinced of 
the strong bias he had for preaching at all events. I suppose he has been 
borne down with a torrent of influence from Pedobaptist connections. 

By a letter from Mr. E. Bobbins I hear that the two churches in York 
are very happy together. I wish this feeling may continue and increase. 
The day appointed for Mr. Baldwin's instalment I attended the ordina- 
tion of Mr. Ebenezer . The letter from the Boston church did 

not reach me until late in the evening of the preceding Lord's Day, so 
that it was out of my power either to come or send them word. I hope 
you had a comfortable season. Our friend Mr. Sutton is settled nearly 
in the centre of Kentucky, and, I believe, in regard to worldly prospects, 
is more happy than ever he was, though he has not the charge of a church, 
37* 



438 M A X X I X G A X D Chap. X. 

as there are four ordained elders in that to which he belongs. He has 
purchased two hundred acres of good land, has enough cleared to raise 
his bread, which his sons manage, together with carrying on a considera- 
ble share of the hatter's business. This leaves him at leisure to travel, 
as he has lost his wife ; and among other journeys, he contemplates one 
to New England, to visit once more all his friends in this quarter. With 
best respects to you, lady, and family, with all friends, in which Mrs. 

Manning joins, 

I remain, as ever, 

James Manning. 

Mr. Flint, to whom Manning here refers, was ordained 
as a pastor of the Second Congregational Church in Hart- 
ford, on Wednesday, April 20, 1791. The Rev. Dr. Strong 
of Hartford made the introductory prayer, the Rev. Dr. 
Hitchcock of Providence preached the sermon, the Rev. 
Dr. Goodrich ^f Durham gave the charge, the Rev. Na- 
than Perkins of Hartford gave the right hand of fellow- 
ship, and the Rev. David Macclure of East Windsor made 
the concluding prayer. 

FKOM THE REV. ABRAHAM BOOTH. 

London, April 1, 1791. 
Dear Sir : 

It being more than twelve months since I wrote you a letter, I have 
been much disappointed in not having had the pleasure of hearing from 
you. At the same time I sent a very long letter to Dr. Samuel Jones, in 
answer to one I received from him, relative to the propriety of baptizing 
such persons as had been solemnly immersed on a profession of faith by 
a Pedoliaptist minister, — both of which I enclosed in a packet to Dr. 
Stillman at Boston ; but, to my great surprise, I have not received a line 
from America since. The name of the captain (nor yet of his ship) by 
whom the little packet was sent, I do not now recollect, but should be 
very sorry to learn that the letter never came to hand. 

It is probable that you have heard, ere now, of the death of Mr. R. 
Robinson, of Cambridge, lie died the last summer, a little before his 
History of Baptism was finished at the press ; by which book it appears 
he was a thorough-faced Socinian at the time of his decease. He died in 
the neighborhood of Birmingham, at the house of a gentleman belonging 



1789-1791. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 439 

to Dr. Priestley's community, after having preached at the Doctor's 
meeting-house the Lord's Day before ; was buried at the Doctor's bury- 
ing-ground (he at least spoke at the grave) at the expense of the Doctor's 
people, and the Doctor preached and published a funeral sermon for him ; 
a sermon contemptible as to its composition, and detestable as to the sen- 
timents contained in it. Some of the sentiments, in my view, are an in- 
sult, not only on the Scriptures but on common sense, except the latter 
be debauched by vain philosophy. Mr. Robinson's History of Baptism 
you may probably have seen before now. It seems to me to be a work 
of both labor and learning. It contains various particulars, in opposition 
to infant-sprinkling, that are both new and pertinent ; but there is much 
extraneous matter ; there are many indications of rank Socinianism ; 
various detestably fanciful interpretations of passages in the Old Testa- 
ment ; and such marks of enmity against the character of Augustiuus as 
I did not expect. We have very lately lost by death that worthy Baptist 
minister, Mr. Robert Hall, of Amsby, in Leicestershire. He is, I doubt 
not, now with God, and his memory is much respected. 

Socinianism is, I fear, still gaining ground in England, especially in the 
national Establishment ; and several of our young Baptist ministers have, 
within these two or three years, adopted that pernicious system of error 
and of blasphemy. But our divine Jesus lives and reigns, to govern the 
world and to take care of his own cause. 

I hear but little of Mr. Winchester of late, and have never seen him. 
I am inclined to think, however, that his corrupt principles lose rather 
than gain ground in this metropolis. 

Hope you will indulge me with a letter as soon as you can after you 
receive this ; and that, among other things, you will inform me whether 
my Pedobaptism Examined be yet i-epublished. I have been informed 
that proposals for publishing by subscription my Essay on the Kingdom 
of Christ, have appeared at Philadelphia. I was a little surprised to 
hear of republishing, by subscription, so small a piece, nothing of that 
kind being issued here. 

It has been and now is a sickly time among my people. Three of the 
members of the church under my imperfect pastoral care have departed 
out of life since the present year came in, and another of them is on 
the verge of the grave, by the envenomed tooth of a devouring cancer. 
The Lord grant that we may be prepared for his whole will concerning 
us. Oh for more genuine spiritual-raindedness ! 

And now, sir, I most affectionately commend you to God, and to the 



440 MANNING AND Chap. X. 

word of his grace, earnestly praying tliat peace and prosperity may at- 
tend you and yours and all the churches of Christ. I remain, dear sir, 
Your unworthy brother in the gospel of Jesus Christ, 

A. Booth. 

FROM THE KEV. DR. RIPPOX, OF LaXDOX. 

Reverend axd dear Sir : 

Last evening Capt. Mesnard delivered me his letters from New York, 
and to-morrow the Eagle sails, so that I have but a few minutes for each 
letter. 

The Register is taking a prodigious spread through almost all our 
churches, the country friends themselves ordering from fifteen to one hun- 
dred copies for each church. I feel myself honored in seeing your name 
among the brethren who encourage the design. I refer now to the adver- 
tisement in the Philadelphia Association letter. I had hoped that I 
might have received your painting by Capt. Mesnard, but I must now 
beseech you to forward it by the veryjirst safe conveyance, informing me 
at what age it was done. Dr. Evans is beautifully engraved, and so is 
Providence meeting-house, from a copy in the Massachusetts Magazine 
for August, 1789. No part of the Magazine have I seen besides. The 
account of the Providence church cannot, I suspect, be brouglit into the 
First Part of the Register, though, on account of its early date, it should 
be one of the first societies under Article the 8th, where it stands. I 
■«vx)uld not so soon have advertised its insertion, had I not known it would 
have afforded great pleasure to many of our English bretlu-en ; though, by 
the way, some of them are astonished at tlie steeple ! I was the more 
unwilling to bring this article forward so early, because I was unac- 
quainted with your opinion of the narrative. It came here to a friend of 
John Stanford, said to have been written by him and approved by the 
church. Of course you have seen it. No one in the city but myself and 
the family to whom it was sent know that Stanford had any hand in it ; 
and his name must be entireli/ kept out of sight in this country. If I in- 
troduce the account of the church in the Second Part of the Register, with 
your corrections, I dare not go any further than 1787, unless you will 
give the naiTative such a finish that the close may introduce your present 
condition. Mr. Foster informs me that Mr. Maxcy (named in your for- 
mer letter) has engaged to supply Providence one year. I beg to be af- 
fectionately remembered to him. I never liad any correspondence with 
Mr. — — — » ; am soiry to find he did not behave well at Pi-ovidence. 



1789-1791. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 441 

The happiness of the American churches lies near my heart. I sec n)y 
brethren have too much neglected them. There is not public spirit enough 
in this country ; but I have hinted by this conveyance to two friends, 
that the Register is intended to serve the American brethren particularly. 
I am sure when we have larger accounts of Kentucky, well authenticated, 
the design you proposed a few months since can naturally be brought for- 
ward ; and I have laid some foundation already for its success. This I 
have mentioned to no American but yourself. 

I find Mr. Wesley's people are aiming to have a new college in Amer- 
ica {vide Dr. Coke's Missions). I wish I had a good drawing or engrav- 
ing of your college edifice, and a history of the college. I have the 
printed charter ; wish for a proof of the old seal, with the explanations 
thereof. Would you favor me with the history 1 Dr. Evans has offered 
an account of the Bristol Academy. If you are too busy, could not Dr. 
Drowne draw it up ? I wish I could see Mr. Maxcy's handwriting. I 
have a copy of Robinson's History of Baptism for your acceptance. Hope 
to send it next month, with an article ordered by Dr. Drowne. My re- 
spects to him. My Christian love to your good lady. 

I remain, affectionately and truly, yours, 

John Rippon. 

P. S. — I dare not dictate, but if the Register meets the approbation of 
the American brethren, perhaps each Association would say what num- 
ber they would certainly take, and appoint the clerk, or some other 
brother, to convey materials for me to Boston, Philadelphia, or New 
York, from time to time. 

In December of this year, Dr. Manning addressed a letter 
to the Rev. William Richards, LL. D., of Lynn, England, 
to which Mr. Richards thus replies. The letter, it may be 
added, did not reach Providence until nearly four months 
after Manning had passed from the scenes of his earthly 
labors. 

Lynn, in Norfolk, Old England, June 6, 1791. 
My dear Sir : 

Embracing an opportunity which has suddenly and unexpectedly pre- 
Bented itself, of sending to America a packet by a private hand, I can do 
little more than just to acknowledge the receipt of your kind letter of the 



442 MANNING AND Chap. X. 

fifteenth of December, which made its way here about the middle of last 
month, via Liverpool and Birmingham. I sincerely thank you, sir, for 
this favor ; and I rejoice exceedingly in the prospect which your letter 
exhibits of the growing greatness and the increasing felicit}^ and prosper- 
ity of America. I have long been partial to that country, and at a very 
early period of my life (sixteen or seventeen years ago) was on the point 
of removing from Britain thither. The war deterred me then, and for 
some years after, from accomplishing my purpose ; and having been set- 
tled in this place some years when the peace took place, I found it rather 
inconvenient then to quit the country. Should I live a few years longer, 
it is still probable that I shall remove, but it is most likely that that re- 
moval will be to Wales and not to America. I am and have always been 
very much attached to my dear native country ; but I should like it much 
better were it connected with the United States, than as it is, a branch of 
the corrupt British empire. 

As to the issue of my late controversy with Mr. Carter, my last piece. 
The Histoiy of Antichrist, brought it to its conclusion. I have never seen 
my opponent since, but he has repeatedly sent me his friendly compli- 
ments, and invited me to call upon him whenever I should pass through 
his neighborhood, but it has not suited me to pay him a visit j'et. Our 
Independent brethren have treated their poor Baptist neighbors somewhat 
more civilly since this controversy took place than they were wont to do. 
In these counties of Norfolk and Suffolk they are a very powerful body. 
That party, sir, as I suppose you know, originated here, and have con- 
tinued here ever since, as numerous and respectable as in any part of 
Britain. Their ministers are in general men of considerable abilities and 
learning, while the Baptist ministers, on the contrary, are possessed of but 
a moderate share of either. The former seemed conscious of their supe- 
riority, and in general affected to treat the latter with the most manifest 
contempt. In short, sir, I am the first of the Particular Baptists, and 
even of the Baptist denomination, who has had the temerity to accept a 
challenge from or to enter the lists with a Norfolk or Suffolk Indepen- 
dent. I hope the adventure was not altogether useless to the Baptist 
cause. The Independents have never si»ce discovered the least disposi- 
tion to oppose us again in print ; and it is the general opinion that it 
will be long before they will attempt to provoke the Baptists into another 
paper war. Many of them were convinced, during the debate, that the 
Pedobaptist scheme was not tenable, and they of course joined us ; and 
not one was known to he confirmed, in the mean time, in that scheme. 



1789-1791. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 443 

Since the conclusion of this dispute, I have been called, by the unani- 
mous voice of the Welsh Baptists, to engage in another of a similar na- 
ture with the Presbyterians and Independents of the Principality, who had 
just then broken the peace by violently attacking their principles, and who 
were likewise strongly supported by the Whitefieldites, a very numer- 
ous body in that country. The person intrusted by tliem with the direc- 
tion of this war is a Mr, Benjamin Evans, a very popular minister in 
Cardiganshire, very dexterous and very obstinate in debate, and a perfect 
adept in the sophist and the quibbler's trade. He has already published 
three pieces, and I am now about beginning my third piece in reply. What 
will be the issue of this war must be left for time to determine. My op- 
ponent, by the vigor and violence of his exertions, and frequent rallyings 
and renewals of the combat, seems to think that he has a great deal at 
stake. He, too, and his brethren, took it for granted that he was greatly 
superior to any that the Baptists could call out to oppose them in the 
Welsh language. God grant that the truth may not, in this hard strug- 
gle, be anywise dishonored by its very unworthy advocate. 

Eeport says that this controversy has already been productive of some 
very pleasing and happy effects, and that the Baptist interest is likely to 
be considerably benefited by it. I sent a copy of my first Welsh tract to 
your good Brother Dr. Samuel Jones, and had you known the language I 
should have been very happy to have presented you with another, and 
submitted it to your examination. I deem these much superior to my 
English pieces. They cost me much more thought, and I bestowed much 
more pains upon them every way. 

Some suppose that the piece I have now on hand will be the last of this 
controversy, but that seems to me rather doubtful. I almost think that 
some things I shall advance this time will provoke some kind of a reply. 
Nor am I at all anxious about that matter, so long as our countrymen 
continue to give us a patient and attentive hearing. I am willing to give 
my labor, and my Welsh brethren seem at present as willing to be at the 
expense of printing what I write. 

The Baptists are very numerous and greatly on the increase in Wales. 
Some churches there are the largest we have in Britain. That of Lanj- 
loffan, in Pembrokeshire, which is the largest of all, consists of between 
eight hundred and nine hundred members. The great increase of the 
Welsh Baptists is seemingly what provoked their Pedobaptist brethren 
to commence this quarrel with them. I hope they will not in the end 
have any cause to triumpli over us. 



444 MANNING AND Chap. X. 

I have had some tlioughts of writing the Life of Roger Williams. 
Could you, sir, tell me where he was born, or add any materials towards 
his history, over and above what Mr. Backus's history contains 1 I have 
some of his works which Mr. Backus never saw. He is with me, in sev- 
eral respects, a favorite character. 

I am sorry to hear of the smallness of your fund, and of your pecuni- 
ary difficulties at the college. I wish the British Baptists would take your 
case under consideration, and afford you some effectual aid. Tliey ought 
to do so, I think ; and yet I am afraid it will not be an easy matter to per- 
suade them to it, unless some of the Londoners, and other opulent Bap- 
tists, were to take it up. 

I thought your library was more considerable, and am sorry to find it 
is not. The Bristol Library is now a very capital one by the addition of 
the collections of Drs. Gifford and Llewelyn, and especially the latter, 
which was a very excellent one. I wish some others in this country 
would bequeath their collections to your college. I have myself near fif- 
teen hundred volumes, some of them of value. But a man in my situa- 
tion, in very moderate circumstances, and with a very small salary from 
the congregation, and having withal an aged mother to provide for, — a 
man in such a situation, I say, must make no resolution in matters of this 
kind. Perhaps my circumstances when I die mny not admit of my dis- 
posing of my books as I might have wished. Therefore please to keep 
this hint to yourself. Now, my dear sir, I must take my leave. May 
every blessing attend you, is the earnest wish and prayer of 

Your sincere, affectionate, and faithful friend, brotlier and servant, 

W. Richards. 

P. S. — Is there any truth, sir, in the reports, which our public papers 
daily circulate in this country, of very dreadful ravages committed by the 
natives among your people about Kentucky and other back-settlements ? 
I suspect it is only a contrivance of our Government for the purpose of 
checking tlie progress of emigration, and to persuade the good people of 
Britain that there is not so blessed a country anywhere as their own. Our 
papers are in like manner stuffed with falsehoods relating to the state of 
tilings in France, and the proceedings of the National Assembly. These 
tricks will not always serve their purpose. 

I received a letter lately from Mr. Curtis, son-in-law to the late Mr. 
Robinson. The second volume of Mr. Robinson's long-expected work is 
now in the press. It is not intended to print any more than seven hun- 



1789-1791. BROAVN UNIVERSITY. 445 

dred and fifty copies of it, so that I suppose it will soon become scarce. 
It was the author's design to have called it the First Volume of the His- 
tory of the Baptists ; but as he did not live to complete his plan, or to 
finish any more than this volume of it, it is, by the advice of Dr. Abra- 
ham Kees, to be entitled Ecclesiastical Researches. I am sorry to learn 
that there are still near four hundred copies of the History of Baptism 
unsold. 

Dear sir, pray pardon the intolerable length and blunders of this scrawl. 
"When I began, I little thought I should scribble half so much, nor indeed 
did I expect that the opportunity would permit me to do so, as I thought 
the messenger could not stay. Excuse me this time. 

Mr. Richards^ was a native of South Wales. At the 
age of twelve he had been at school only one year. From 
this time till the twenty-fourth year of his age, when he 
entered the academy at Bristol, he received no instruc- 
tion. But his application to study was vigorous and per- 
severing. He remained at the academy in Bristol two 
years. After preaching for a short time as an assistant to 
Dr. John Ash, of Pershore, he accepted an invitation from 
the Baptist Church at Lynn to become their pastor, and 
entered upon his public ministry in that town July 7, 
1776, where he continued to reside — more than half of the 
time as pastor of the church — till his death, which oc- 
curred in 1818, in the sixty-ninth year of his age. 

Mr. Richards seems to have been a man of considera- 
ble learning, particularly in English and Welsh history, and 
in the Welsh language and literature. His writings are his- 
torical, political, and controversial.^ His most important 
work is The History of Lynn, in 2 vols. 8vo. Dr. Evans 
says of it : " It is not only well written, the style perspic- 

1 See Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Eev. William Richards, LL.D., by 
John Evans, LL.D., of Islington. 12mo. Chiswick. 1819. 

2 For a list of bis writings, — comprising nearly the whole, — see under his 
name in the catalogue of the college library. 

38 



446 MANNING AND Chap. X. 

uoiis and manly, but it is replete with information as well 
as entertainment." His review of Noble's Memoirs of 
tlie Protectoral House of Cromw^ell is characterized by 
Lowndes^ as "severe, but at the same time just." 

" His Dictionary of Welsh and English," says Dr. Evans, 
" a work of minute and wearisome labor, is in high repute." 
Mr. Richards was of the General Baptist denomination, 
and a strong advocate of religious liberty. It was his love 
of the liberal character of the college which induced him 
to bestow upon it his library, as appears from the follow- 
ing passage in his Memoirs : — 

*'Mr. Richards had corresponded with Dr. James Manning, once 
President of the Baptist college in Rhode Island. From this gentleman 
he learned the liberal constitution of that respectable seminar}-, and for 
some years previous to his death meant to bequeath to it his library. He 
accordingly made inquiry of Dr. Rogers [of Philadelphia], whether it 
was still conducted on the same liberal footing, in which case ho should 
cherish the same generous intentions towards it." 

This inquiry was answered by Dr. Messer, then Presi- 
dent of the college, in a letter from which we extract a 
single passage : — 

" Though the charter requires that the President shall forever be a Bap- 
tist, it allows neither him, in his official character, nor any other officer 
of instruction, to inculcate any sectarian doctrine. It forbids all relig- 
ious tests ; and it requires that all denominations of Christians, behav- 
ing alike, shall be treated alike. This charter is congenial with the 
whole of the civil government established here by the venerable Roger 
Williams, who allowed no religious tests, and no preeminence of one 
denomination over another ; and none has ever been allowed unto this 
day. This charter is also congenial with the present spirit of this State 
and of this town." 

1 Bibliographer's Manual. 



1789-1791. 



BROWN UNIVERSITY. 447 



Gratified with this letter, Mr. Richards, in accordance 
with the purpose which he cherished twenty-seven years 
previous to his death, and which he hints in his letter to 
Dr. Manning, bequeathed his books, consisting of about 
thirteen hundred volumes, to Brown University. This was 
the most important donation that the library had as yet 
received. It is a singular fact, that his will was made on 
the very day on which the honorary degree of Doctor of 
Laws was conferred upon him by the college. Mr. Rich- 
ards had received no intimation that the honor was in- 
tended for him, nor did he live to hear that it had been 
bestowed. 

The library which he thus bequeathed is in many re- 
spects valuable. It contains a considerable number of 
Welsh books, a large collection of works illustrating the 
history and antiquities of England and Wales, besides 
two or three hundred bound volumes of pamphlets, some 
of them very ancient, rare, and curious. The collection 
is particularly valuable for its treatises on civil and reli- 
gious liberty. The original manuscript catalogue of Mr. 
Richards's library has recently come into our possession. 
It is now among the archives of the University. 

Dr. Evans, in his account of Brown University, appended 
to his Life of Richards, says : " Whilst the library of my 
friend Richards remains amongst them, to perpetuate the 
name and character of its donor, may it urge its worthy 
President, as well as the members of this truly respect- 
able institution, to the continued exercise of that spirit 
of liberality which induced an honest Cambro-Briton, at 
the distance of three thousand miles, to mark and reward 
it." 

The last letter from Manning of which we have any 



448 MANNING AND Chap. X. 

account, is addressed to bis college classmate and life-long 
friend, the Rev. Dr. Smith : — 

PrvOviDENCE, 4th June, 1791. 
Dear Sir : 

Yours of Feb. 15th ult. came to hand three months to a day after it 
was written, so that we now stand on even ground. As you say of mine, 
it met a welcome reception. I am sorry it has not been in my power to 
provide for Mr. Messer agreeably to ray wishes and ideas of his merit. 
There will be an opening at Providence for a tutor in the fall ; but Mr. 
Alden, of senior standing, appears to incline to fill the place. If so, there 
will be an opening at Taunton in the academy which he will leave. I 
hope that Mr. Messer may be accommodated at one or other of these 
berths. Please to present my best respects to him, and tell him he shall 
have my interest. Ere this comes to hand, the news of the departure of 
our two good friends Messrs. John Jenckes and Nicholas Brown must have 
reached you. Providence, church, and society are bereaved indeed ! But 
Jesus lives, and lives to support his cause when earthly supporters fail. 

The affairs of the college do not prosper as I could wish. "With the 
twenty-two who graduated last fall, we have lost twenty-nine this year, 
which is a great defalcation from our small number. More arc about 
to come soon, but I think it will be some time before we shall make the 
number of last year good. Our number is about fifty-five. The last in- 
telligence from Brother Gano is, that early this spiing his kitchen caught 
fire by accident, and consumed with it all their kitchen furniture, smoked 
meat, etc. Poor ill-fated man ! He is not to have his portion here. Well, 
I believe he is secure of it above. I am glad to hear that you found my 
friends the Newbolds agreeable. I saw Caleb at York a few days since, 
and he mentioned you with great affection, as also all the eastern people 
to whom he was introduced. I saw none of your relations to the west- 
ward, as my journey was hasty and attended with business. Nothing 
remarkable in the Middle States in a religious way, save that Brother 
Foster and people are very happy and prosperous. The Second Church 
rent again, and in a miserable situation. Our old friends generally well. 
My l)rothcr Enocli died in February last, and John Manning, Esq., my 
cousin ; also Aunt Randolph, wife of Uncle Eplu-aiin. The people of 
Providence have chosen Mr. Maxcy for their minister, and he has resigned 
his tutorship and accepted. He gives very general satisfaction, and prom- 
ises usefulness. Religious impressions are not all erased from the minds 



1789-1791. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 449 

of the people here. With best respects to you and lady, in which Mrs. 

Manning joins, 

Your old friend, 

James Manning. 

Dr. Manning, as his correspondence shows, had repeat- 
edly and earnestly requested his people to seek for a proper 
person to succeed him in the ministry. This he did, not 
because his interest in preaching had diminished, but 
rather on account of his multiplied duties as President of 
the college, which would not permit him to do justice to 
his flock. "At length, in a most honorable way, he re- 
signed his pastoral oflice." On the last Sabbath in April, 
1791, a few months only before his death, he preached to 
the people of his charge his farewell sermon. The occa- 
sion was one of unusual solemnity. For twenty years he 
had been to them their spiritual guide. Under his teach- 
ings and influence the church had been greatly improved 
in its discipline and worship, and the society had become 
large and flourishing. Revivals had attended upon his min- 
istry, so that again and again he had come to them " in the 
fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ," announcing 
to not a few "glad tidings of great joy." Scores of his 
hearers he had led down- into the baptismal waters. And 
now, as he uttered from the pulpit his last affectionate ad- 
dress, and, as if in prophetic anticipation of his approach- 
ing end, expressed the improbability of his ever preaching 
to them again, sorrow filled their hearts, and their emo- 
tions found utterance in sobs and tears. 

At a meeting of the corporation held on the 13th of 
April, Dr. Manning had notified them to look out for a 
successor to fill his place ; and shortly after preaching his 
farewell sermon, he had made a request in writing for a 
meeting of the Baptist society, to make arrangements for 
38* 



450 MANNING AND Chap. X. 

finishing the meeting-house and lot, stating in this re- 
quest that it would jDrobably be his last. What gave him 
this singular presentiment of his approaching mortality, 
can never, perhaps, be ascertained. It proved, alas ! to be 
but too well founded. On Saturday, July 23d, he dined 
at the hospitable table of his friend Mr. John Brown. 
On Sabbath morning following, while uttering the voice 
of prayer around the domestic altar, he was seized with 
a fit of apoplexy, in which he remained, but with imper- 
fect consciousness, till the ensuing Friday, when, about 
four o'clock in the morning, he expired, in the fifty-fourth 
year of his age. 

The sudden death of a man who was universally es- 
teemed and loved, and who had filled, for so many years, 
such various and commanding stations of usefulness and 
trust, produced throughout the entire community the most 
profound sorrow, reaching to every part of the city in 
which he lived. When, a month previous, his intimate 
friend and associate Nicholas Brown, whose munificence 
had flowed in a thousand channels, and whose example 
had given a new impulse to the public mind, quitted the 
scene which he had so long adorned with his presence 
and enriched with his bounty, it was to be expected that 
there should be, as there was, a general expression of sor- 
row and regret. But that the removal of a Christian min- 
ister, and a teacher of science and letters, who possessed 
none of the advantages of wealth, but whose later years, 
on the contrary, had been oj^presscd by economic solicitude 
and care, should produce a regret so universal and so deep, 
" is a pleasing liomage " — adopting the language of Robert 
Hall on a similar occasion — " to the majesty of moral 
power and intellectual greatness." 



1789-1791. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 451 

The corjDoratioH immediately assembled in the college 
hall, when the death of the President was announced by 
the Hon. Jabez Bowen, LL.D., Chancellor. Among other 
demonstrations of respect and affection for the deceased, 
a committee, consisting of the Rev. Dr. Hitchcock and 
Messrs. John Brown and George Benson, was appointed 
to wait on Mrs. Manning, and express to her their sincere 
condolence on the death of her " late worthy husband." 
Messrs. Joseph Russell, Welcome Arnold, and George 
Benson were also appointed a committee to superintend 
the funeral, the expenses thereof to be defrayed by the 
corporation. 

On Saturday, July 30, the next day after his death, the 
remains of Dr. Manning were conveyed from his residence 
to the college hall, where the funeral solemnities were 
performed by the Rev. Dr. Hitchcock, at that time the 
pastor of the Congregational church in Providence, and 
one of the most active Fellows of the college. " The fu- 
neral," says Prof. Goddard, " though a public one, was no 
empty pageant. Multitudes flocked to the college, to look 
for the last time upon a face which had so often beamed 
upon them in kindness ; and multitudes followed him to 
the grave which was so soon to hide him forever from their 
sight." Indeed, the funeral, in the language of the Provi- 
dence Gazette^ was thought to " have been the most nu- 
merous and respectable ever attended in town." 

The corpse, placed upon a hearse,^ was borne to the 
north burying-ground, where it now rests by the side of 
iiTicholas Brown, in the family lot. " United in life, in 

1 We have it upon the authority of the late Mr. John B. Chaoe, that at Dr. 
Manning's funeral a hearse was used for the first time in Providence. It was 
imported from England. 



452 MANNING AND Ciiap. X. 

death they are not separated." The- following was the or- 
der of the funeral procession : — 

Students. 

Steward. 

Graduates of the College. 

Tutors. 

Professors Fobes and West. 

TEE CORPSE. 

Mourners in a coach. 

Chancellor of the Colleoe. 

Members or the Corporation. 

Clergy. 

Physicians. 

Members of the Baptist Church. 

Citizens in general. 

On the ensuing Sabbath, an eloquent and impressive 
funeral sermon was preached in the Baptist meeting-house, 
by the Rev. Perez Fobes, LL.D., pastor of the Congrega- 
tional church in Raynham, Mass., and also Professor of 
Natural and Experimental Philosophy in the college. A 
sermon was also j^reachcd on the same day by the Rev. 
Dr. Maxcy, Manning's successor. Both these sermons 
were afterwards published. From the former we cannot 
forbear making brief extracts : — 

" The amiable Manning has given up the ghost ; and where is he ? 
Not in the college, where lately we saw him presiding with mild dignity 
and parental affection, greatly beloved by every member of that collected 
family ; not in the house of God, where he often met you ; nor in the 
pulpit, where you have so frequently heard him preach the glad tidings 
of great joy ; — not at the comraunion-table, breaking to you the bread of 
life, and praying for the health of languishing souls ; not in his own 
house, with his family and friends around him, where he was ever known 
as the revered head and illustrious example of religion, of government, 
and of every domestic and social virtue. No, he is not here." 



1780-1791. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 453 

" The coi-poration of the college, with the instructors and students, all 
feel and recognize the loss. Their hearts echo to the voice of mourning, 
to the deep-toned bell, and to all the badges of sorrow. With multitudes 
around us, we have dropped the involuntary tear. We have felt the sigh 
unbidden heave, and followed the hearse, solemn and slow, with a nu- 
merous train of mourners, all united in the attestation of high esteem 
and affection for the lamented man of God. We are witnesses, and God 
also, how piously, and justly, and unblamably he lived among us, — we 
are witnesses to the amiablencss of his natural temper. How pleasing 
his condescension and affability ! How conspicuous his candor and im- 
partiality, even in circumstances of peculiar trial ! These, added to a 
strong mind, well furnished with useful learning, and with ample re- 
sources for eloquence, popularity, and pleasing address, rendered him 
highly esteemed through the large circle of his acciuaintance. But, alas ! 
all these amiable and useful qualities could not exempt him from the fate 
of mortals." 

To the foregoing, we add several letters by Dr. Man- 
ning's intimate friends, announcing his death, together 
with extracts from a Commencement oration, and the 
circular letters of the Warren and Philadelphia Associ- 
ations. The following letter is addressed to the Rev. Dr. 
Hezekiah Smith : — 

Boston, July 30, 1791. 
Deak Sir : 

I am sorry to be the messenger of news that will give you pain, but you 
must know it. Dr. Manning was taken with a fainting fit last Lord's 
Day morning, at family prayer, and expired yesterday morning, at half- 
past four o'clock. The complaint was of the apoplectic kind. He had 
no senses from the time ho was taken. Great the loss to his amiable wife, 
great to the college and Baptist interest in general. But the Lord reigns ; 
submission to him is our certain duty. Wc must immediately look 
around for a person to fill his place ; but where to find him I know not. 
What think you of Mr. Allison, or Dr. Jones ? Has the former had a 
public education ? Or has the latter the various qualifications for a Presi- 
dent 'i You and I must exert ourselves on this occasion. Friends at 
Providence and elsewhere will expect it. Write freely to me on this sub- 
ject. I suppose it will be best that Mr. Howell be desired to preside at 



454 MANNING AND Chap. X. 

the next Commencement, as the oldest Fellow. Peace be with you 

Adieu. 

Yours, 

Samuel Stillman 

The following letter to the Rev. Dr. Samuel Jones gives 
particulars of Manning's death and funeral. It was written, 
it will be observed, in behalf of the members of the cor- 
poration of the college, and in an informal manner, desig- 
nates Mr. Jones as Manning's successor in the presidency. 

Protidence, Aug. 3, 1791. 
Dear Sir : 

Before these lines will come to your hands you will doubtless have 
heard the melancholy tidings of the death of our late worthy President 
Manning. He departed this life about four o'clock on Friday morning, 
the 29th ult., after an illness of only five days, during which time he 
discovered little or no signs of reason. His funeral was attended last 
Saturday. It was the largest and most solemn that I have seen in this 
place. I need not tell you that his death is unive.rsally lamented by all 
ranks of people, but the loss is more severely felt by the corporation of 
the college, and by the students under his care. As he was the founder of 
the college, and celebrated for many shining abilities which peculiarly 
qualified him to preside in it, we are apprehensive that the institution 
may suffer a temporary relapse, unless some known and established char- 
acter can be induced to supply the vacancy soon. 

At a meeting of as many of the corporation in this town as could be 
readily convened to take into consideration measures relative to the en- 
suing Commencement, some conversation passed about the election of a 
President, when it was the voice of all present that I should write to you ' 
on the subject, and call on you for assistance on this occasion, so critical 
to the interests of the college. It is our unanimous and very earnest re- 
quest, dear sir, that you will come to our hclj). The eyes of the corpora- 
tion seem fixed on you for a successor to President Manning. 

From my long acquaintance with you, I have not the least doubt of 
your disposition to serve the best interests of mankind. A doot seems 
now opened in divine Providence to call forth to public usefulness those 
great and very useful talents I know you possess. Let me entreat you to 



1789-1791. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 455 

consider the application weightily. I am sure you will do it sensibly. 
I am to request a line from you in answer, by the first post after the re- 
ceipt of this letter, or as soon as you find it convenient to give us an an- 
swer to the subject of it, and I have it in charge in particular and very ur- 
gently to request your attendance with us at the ensuing Commencement. 
Pray give my respects to Mrs. Jones, by whom I trust I am still re- 
membered, and to any others in your good family to whom I may be 
known, and to inquiring friends. With very great esteem, I remain, dear 
sir. 

Your affectionate friend and very humble servant, 

David Howell. 

To the Rev. Dr. Rippon, of London, the Rev. Isaac 
Backus, under date of Aug. 19, 1791, writes : — 

" I was with President Manning two days in June past, and when I 
parted with him, the 8th of that month, I had as little thought of its be- 
ing the last parting for time, as at any parting we ever had. But near 
night, on July 29, I received a line from Providence, informing me of 
his decease at four o'clock that morning. I went there the first instant, 
and met the college corporation the next day, who have thought of Dr. 
Jones for his successor, if he can be obtained ; but we have no idea of 
obtaining any man who will equal President Manning in all respects, at 
least soon. His extensive knowledge, fervent piety, constant study to be 
serviceable to mankind, — his easy access to every class of people, with his 
gift of governing so as to be feared and loved by all, where keen envy 
did not prevail, — rendered him the most accomplished man for that sta- 
tion of any one I ever saw. Yet, in the midst of his usefulness, he is 
gone, as universally lamented as any man that I have known." 

At the Commencement in 1791, an "Oration on the 
Death of Rev. President Manning" was delivered by Sim- 
eon Doggett, of the class of 1788, then a candidate for the 
Master's degree. Mr. Doggett was a tutor in the college 
from 1791 to 1796. He afterwards had the charge of an 
academy in Taunton, Mass. He was pastor of the Con- 
gregational church in Mendon, Mass., from 1815 to 1831, 
and from the latter year to 1846 was the pastor of the 



45G MANNING AND Ciiap. X. 

Congregational church in Raynhara. He died March 20, 
1852, in the eighty-seventh year of liis age. From his ora- 
tion on Manning, wliicli is preserved in manuscript among 
the college archives, we present extracts: — 

" He is gone, alas ! never to return. No more, iNIanning ! must thou 
grace that sacred desk with thy majestic presence. No more shall the 
temple of the Lord seem like the gates of heaven from the sweet droppings 
of thy lips. No more shall Christian assemblies be moved, be pleased, 
be instructed, be enraptured by thy inspired tongue. No more shalt thou 
lead the devout heart up to the throne of God. No more sliall thy concil- 
iating tongue and precious counsels be heard in church and state. Thy 
placid countenance, thy pleasing converse, thy soft and graceful manners 
shall no more delight the friendly circle. No more shall you, respected 
patrons of yonder seat of learning, boast of the shining character of your 
President and friend. No more shall we, my dear elder brothers, sit in 
council with our wise, our mild, our beloved President O, relent- 
less Death ! — not even the worth of a Manning could elude thy stroke. 
But in the midst of his usefulness, when that nursery of science, planted 
and reared by his fostering hand, extending its branches, began to require 
all those abilities to inspect and preserve it which were exerted to rear it ; 
when it was under his watchful eye and industrious hand flourisliing in all 
the beauties of knowledge, and moulding human nature into her most 
pleasing forms ; when he began to see and rejoice in the fruit of his labors, 
in the midst of all his glory, cruel Death ! thou hast suddenly snatched 
him away, and hurried him to the grave Though these his exer- 
tions to increase knowledge were almost unparalleled, yet merely to in- 
crease knowledge was not his end, but the means, the end of which Avas 
to regenerate the heart and to advance the Redeemer's kingdom. Hence, 
while engaged to promote learning, he was still more engaged to promote 
religion. Of this all his pupils are witnesses who have seen his devotion 
and enjoyed his instructions. How naturally at our college exercises 
would a very slight connection lead his discourse to moral and religious 
subjects ! Upon these subjects, with what additional ardor would lie dis- 
course ! These occasions seemed to add new life to his faculties. They 
would add warmth to his heart, brightness to his understanding, and elo- 
quence to his tongue. And still more did his devotion ever show that his 
lieart's desire and constant j)rayer to God was that true religion might 



1780-1791. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 457 

flourish. And of this his pupils are not the only witnesses. All Christian 
societies within his extensive acquaintance, especially tliose of tliis town, 
are also witnesses. It was this which led him to the study of divinity, 
and finally made him so eminent in the ministry. It ^vas this which 
caused him, like the primitive apostles, to travel through all parts of the 

country to instruct, to purify, to organize, and to confirm the church 

Perhaps no one of his age had a greater influence in the Redeemer's king- 
dom ; and his usefulness was parallel with his influence. And was it not 
also this ardent desire for the triumph of religion tliat inspired him Avith 
such distinguished eloquence? Few preachers of his age spoke like him. 
He moved, he pleased, he instructed all who heard him. Notwithstand- 
ing the diversity of dispositions, and the indifference of hearts in Chris- 
tian assemblies, his eloquence made its way to all. Sometimes clothing 
himself with the threatenings of the law, he seemed to thunder forth all 
the terrors of Mount Sinai, causing the most hardened and stubborn sin- 
ners to tremble before him. At other times, putting on the garment of 
mildness, the peace of the gospel, his eloquence breathed naught but be- 
nevolence, diffusing tenderness, and melting all hearts into grief and love. 
Thus following this great man fi'om his first appearance upon tlie stage 
of active life to his disappearance, we invariably find him holding in his 
left hand the classics, in his right the word of God, with his eye fixed 
on the good of mankind, widely diffusing, as he passed along, knowledge, 
and religion, and happiness. Here we might add his more particular 
character. We might amplify the majestic but mild beauties of his per- 
son and appearance ; the vast resources of his mind ; the uncommon 
greatness of his acquirements, considering the activity of his life ; his 
remarkably amiable disposition; his astonishingly popular talents, and 
his distinguished and inflexible virtue and piety Time not afford- 
ing me the pleasure of further addressing the particular connections of 
this great man, I proceed to ask whether a character so distinguished, so 
useful, so amiable, could possibly be the object of detraction ? Alas ! the 
depravity of human nature, it could, it was. But mark the issue. Wliere 
now is detraction ? Confounded with shame and remorse, she has forever 
hidden her head. The universal lamentation at his death, the surprising 
throng of mourners at his funeral, and the universal approbation of his 
character, have eternally stopped her mouth, and reflected her deadly 
shafts back upon herself, where they will continue to sting like seqients, 
and to caution her to be careful how she deals with real merit." 



39 



458 M A N N I N G A N D Chap. X. 

The circular letter of the AYarren Association alludes 
to the death of Manning as a great loss in Zion : — 

" Should we close this letter without taking notice of the providence 
of God in the removal of two of our ministers by death the year past, we 
should betray a criminal inattention. The one is Brother Nathaniel 
Green, of Charlton, who hath long sustained a good character in our 
churches. The other was our much esteemed Brother James Manning, 
D. D., President of Rhode Island College, whose abilities and usefulness 
were well known to us all, and whose attention to the interests of learn- 
ing and religion justly claim our esteem. Oh that the great Head of the 
Church, in whom are all gifts and grace, would favor us with other per- 
sons of equal accomplishments, that thereby the breaches in the walls of 
Zion may be built up." 

From the circular letter of the Philadelphia Associa- 
tion we also make an extract : — 

" But our joys abate, while we reflect on the heavy tidings, so generally 
mentioned in your letters, of the death of our highly esteemed and dearly 
beloved brother. Dr. Manning ; who, engaged in the dearest interests of 
religion, of science, and the prosperity of his country, fell from the zenith 
of glory and usefulness. In the general loss we sustain an important part. 
No longer shall we enjoy his able counsels, his divine and persuasive 
eloquence, nor his personal friendship. But while we trust he fell to rise 
to higher, to celestial glories, and joys unspeakable, resignation becomes 
us. May the Lord sanctify to the churches and ministers of Christ the 
awful stroke, enable us to feel and faithfully discharge the duties devolv- 
ing on us, and imitate his amiable example"." 

A review of Dr. Manning's life, as presented in the sev- 
eral chapters of our work, affords a ])leasiug illustration of 
the truth which Cowper has so well expressed, — 

" Cod gives to every man 
The virtue, temper, uiulcrstandhii;:, taste 
That lifts liim into life, and lets him fiill 
Just in the niche he was ordained to fill." 



1789-1791. BROWN UNIVERSITY, 459 

It only remains to add a few particulars relating to Man- 
ning's personal appearance, habits, character, and influence. 
This we shall do in the language of his intimate friend, 
and early associate in the instruction of the college, the 
Hon. David Howell, who wrote his obituary notice, and 
who also penned the inscription upon the stone erected by 
the Trustees and Fellows of the college to his memory. 
The following extracts from his obituary notice were orig- 
inally published in the Providence Gazette for Saturday, 
Aug. 6, 1791: — 

" In his youth he was remarkable for his dexterity in athletic exercises, 
for the symmetry of his body, and gracefulness of his person. His coun- 
tenance was stately and majestic, full of dignity, goodness, and gravity ; i 
and the temper of his mind was a counterpart to it. He was formed for 
enterprise. His address was pleasing, his manner enchanting, his voice 
harmonious, and his eloquence almost irresistible. 

" Having deeply imbibed the spirit of truth himself, as a preacher of 
the gospel, he was faithful in declaring the whole counsel of God. He 
studied plainness of speech and to be useful more than to be celebrated. 
The good order, learning, and respectability of the Baptist clmrches in the 
Eastern States are much owing to his assiduous attention to their wel- 
fare. The credit of his name, and his personal influence among them, 
have never, perhaps, been exceeded by any other character. 

" Of the college he must be considered, in one sense, as the founder. 
He presided with the singular advantage of a superior personal appear- 
ance, added to all his shining talents for governing and instructing youth. 
From the first beginning of his Latin school at Warren, through many 
discouragements, he has, by constant care and labor, raised this seat of 

^ The likeness of Dr. Manning accompanying the present workAvas engraved 
from an original portrait, which has long been in the possession of Brown Uni- 
versity. It was painted in the year 1770, by Cosmo Alexander, a Scotch gentle- 
man, who came from Edinburgh to Newport about this time, and who is said to 
have patronized Gilbert Stuart, and to have given to him his first lessons in 
drawing. He returned to Scotland in the winter of 1772, taking young Stuart 
with him. An account of Alexander may be found in " Dunlap's History of the 
Arts of Design in the United States. " 



460 MANNING AND Chap. X. 

learning to notice, to credit, and to respectability in the United States. 
Perhaps the history of no other college will disclose a more rapid prog- 
ress or greater maturity, in the course of about twenty-five years. 

" Although he seemed to be consigned to a sedentary life, yet he was 
capable of more active scenes. He had paid much attention to the gov- 
ernment of his country, and had been honored by this State with a seat in 
the Old Congress. In state affairs he discovered an uncommon degree 
of sagaojty, and might have made a figure as a politician. 

" In classical learning he was fully competent to the business of teach- 
ing, although he devoted less time than some others in liis station to the 
study of the more abstruse sciences. In short, nature seemed to have fur- 
nished him so completely, that little remained for art to accomplish. The 
resources of his genius were great. In conversation he was at all times 
pleasant and entertaining. He had as many friends as acquaintances, and 
took no less pains to serve his friends than to acquire them. 

" His death is a loss, not to the college or church only, but to the world. 
He is lamented by the youth under his care, by the churches, by his fel- 
low-citiz(y;is ; and wherever his name has been heard, in whatever quarter 
of the civilized earth, the friends of science, of virtue and humanity will 
drop a tender tear on the news of his death. 

" His amiable lady, the wife of his youth, and the boast of her sex, 
with all her fortitude of mind, which is great, must have sunk under the 
distressing loss were she not sustained by divine grace. May Heaven con- 
tinue to support her, for earth must have lost its charms. Few persons 
ever enjoyed a more excellent constitution, or better health. Increasing cor- 
pulence,' occasioned chiefly by his confinement to the labors of his station 
(for he was temperate in his diet), gave him some complaints of ill-health 
of late years ; but what in particular furnished him with a singular pre- 
sentiment of his mortality, is unknown." 



1 Concerning Dr. Manniug's " bulk," the Hon. William Hunter, one of his 
pupils, thus writes: " His motions and gestures were so easy and graceful that 
ordinary observers thought not of his immense volume of flesh, and those Avho 
criticized, admired the manner by which it was spontaneously wielded, I do 
not know that he had ever read Hogarth's Analysis of Beauty, but he moved iu 
his line of grace." 



1789-1791. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 461 

Our task is done. We have endeavored to trace the 
origin, and to exhibit the early progress, of Rhode Island 
College, or, as it is now called. Brown University. So far 
as possible, we have allowed the writers, the actors, and 
the records of the past, to tell their own story in their own 
way, having no theories to advance, and no interests save 
those of truth and justice to subserve. That members of 
the Philadelphia Baptist Association planned the college 
in the outset, admits not even the shadow of a doubt. It 
was designed, in the language of the preface to Morgan 
Edwards's subscription book, "to adorn human nature, 
and promote the true interests and happiness of mankind," 
by disseminating sound knowledge and useful literature. 
Its main design, however, was to secure for the churches 
an educated ministry. For this its friends toiled and 
prayed, amidst difficulties and discouragements, growing 
out of indifference on the one hand, and opposition on the 
other. Under the auspices of its devoted President it be- 
came a centre of influence, and a rallying point for the de- 
nomination, " greatly promoting," says Manning, " Baptist 
principles, and the spread of civil and religious liberty 

throughout New England, and adding respectability 

to the Baptist profession." 

We have traced the career of Dr. Manning from its 
commencement to its close, and, so far as our materials 
would admit, have made him his own biographer. Our 
readers have thus obtained a more correct idea of his 
character and life than could have been obtained by any 
formal delineation of his virtues as a man, or of his genius 
as an educator, a statesman, and a preacher. Devotion to 
the interests of the college appears to have been the ani- 
mating motive of his conduct, and the improvement and 
elevation of the Baptist denomination through the college, 
39* 



462 MANNING AND Chap. X. 

the object and aim of his entire professional life. The 
sentiment, so beautifully expressed by Dr. South, that " the 
Spirit always guides and instructs before he saves ; and as 
he brings to happiness only by the ways of holiness, so he 
never leads to true holiness but by the paths of knowl- 
edge," was by no means an universal sentiment, it will be 
observed, in the days of Manning. The Bnptists as a de- 
nomination were not specially friendly to learning, and the 
provision for the education of their clergy was exceedingly 
limited. To the work of removing existing prejudices 
against collegiate institutions, and of securing for the de- 
nomination to which he was attached the benefits of an 
educated ministry, he devoted his best energies. His men- 
tal acquisitions, his distinguished i:)iety, his great ministe- 
rial excellence, which, combined with his natural gifts and 
endowments, gave him so rare and so extensive an influence 
over the minds of men, were nil alike consecrated to this 
one cherished object. For this he declined, at the begin- 
ning of his public life, the call of the church at Charleston, 
having already committed himself to the interests of the 
college. For this he resigned his pastoral charge at War- 
ren, greatly to the surprise and the regret of his people. 
For this he perseveringly labored amidst the discourage- 
ments of poverty, the opposition of enemies, the indifference 
of friends, and the conflicts of war. To benefit the college 
he left its quiet shades, and the pulpit where his labors had 
been honored and blest, and entered the arena of political 
strife; and when his object was attained, so far as it could 
be through his own personal exertions, he returned from 
the halls of Congress to his accustomed duties, resisting all 
tlie allurements of political life and the public distinctions 
to which his talents would naturally have entitled him. 
And toward the close of his career, although in llio midst 



1789-1791. BROWN UNIVERSITY. 463 

of gracious manifestations of the Divine presence, and en- 
joying the emoluments of a large and flourishing church 
and society, which had been built up mainly through his 
exertions, he again and again requested his people to pro- 
vide a successor in the pastorate, in order that he might 
give himself more exclusively to the care of the college, 
and to the great work of laying broad and deep the foun- 
dations for an educated Baptist ministry. In all this "he 
labored," says Prof. Goddard, " not for himself, but for 
others, and, in language breathing a holier inspiration than 
that of poetry, may be conveyed the grand moral of his 
life : — 

'Love thyself last; 

Let all the ends thou aim'st at be thy country's, 

Thy God's, and truth's.'" 

The narrative has, in several instances, presented illus- 
trations of sectarian bitterness, of which Manning and his 
associates were sometimes the objects, and also of the un- 
fair dealings to which the college in its infancy was sub- 
jected, but it is only as a part of the history of the times, 
and, we trust, only in the spirit of candor and of historical 
fidelity. The animosities and strifes of a hundred years 
ago have long since been buried, and both the college and 
its self-sacrificing founders are enshrined in the reverence 
and affection of all, of every ecclesiastical name, who have 
shared in the manifold benefits they have conferred upon 
mankind. May the record here made of the consecrated 
benevolence and the persevering efforts of our fathers 
stimulate the patrons and friends of Brown University, 
which now enters upon the second century of its exist- 
ence, to renewed exertions on its behalf; and may all its 
scattered sons, and the religious denomination especially 
whose present prosperity is so largely due to his intelligent 



4G4 MANNING AND BROWN UNIVERSITY. Chap. X. 

devoted labors, hold in grateful remembrance the virtues, 
the talents, and the piety of jA:iiES Manning. 

" Peace to the just man's memory, — let it grow 
Greener with years, and blossom through the flight 
Of ages ; let the mimic canvas show 
His calm benevolent features ; let the light 
Stream on his deeds of love, that shun'd the sight 
Of all but heaven; and, in the book of fame. 
The glorious record of his virtues write. 
And hold it up to men, and bid them claim 
A palm like his, and catch from him the hallow'd flame." 



APPENDIX 



CHARTER drafted by the Rev, Dr. 
Stiles, and presented to the Gen- 
eral Assembly of Rhode Island in the 
month of August, 1763.1 

The Governor and Company of his 
Majesty's English Colony of Rhode 
Island and Providence Plantations, 
in America, in their General Assem- 
bly held at Newport, within afore- 
said Colony, on the first Monday of 
August, Anno Domini One Thousand 
Seven Hundred and Sixty-Three, 
and in the third year of the reign of 
his Majesty George the Third of 
Great Britain, France, and Ireland, 
King: To all to whom these pre- 
sents shall come, Greeting : 

Whereas, institutions for liberal 
education are highl}- beneficial to so- 
ciety, by forming the rising genera- 
tion to virtue, knowledge, and use- 
ful literature, and thus preserving 
in the community a succession of 
men duly qualified for discharging 
the offices of fife with usefulness 
and reputation ; they have therefore 
justly merited and received the at- 
tention and encouragment of every 
wise, polite and well-regulated State : 



CHARTER granted by the General 
Assembly of Rhode Islr.nd, in the 
month of February, 1764.2 

At the General Assembly of 
the Governor and Company of the 
English Colony of Rhode Island and 
Providence Plantations, in New Eng- 
land, in Amei-ica, begun and holden 
by adjournment at East Greenwich, 
within and for the Colony aforesaid, 
on the last Monday in February, in 
the year of our Lord One Thousand 
Seven Hundred and Sixty-four, and 
fourth of the reign of his most sa- 
cred Majesty George the Third, by 
the grace of God King of Great 
Britain, and so forth. 

AN ACT FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT 

OF A COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY, 

WITHIN THIS COLONY. 



" polite "omitted. 



1 From the original copy in Dr. Stiles's own handwriting. 

2 Only the changes and additions made by the Committee are Leitj given. 
Chap. 1. p. 50. 



4Gr, 



APPENDIX 



And ■\vlicrcas a luiblic school or sem- 
inary, erected for this i)urposc within 
this Colony, to wh.icli the youth may 
freely resort for education in the ver- 
nacular and learned languages, and 
in the liberal arts and sciences, would 
be for the advantage and honor of 
this government : And whereas the 
Hon. Stephen Hopkins Esq., the 
Hon. John Gardner Esq., the Hon. 
Samuel Ward Esq., the Hon. Wil- 
liam EUery Esq., James Honyman, 
Francis Willett, Simon Peas, Daniel 
Jenekes, Jno. Tillinghast, Nicholas 
Tillinghast, Joseph Russel, Edw. 
Scott, Joseph Clark, James Helme, 
Esquires, Col. Elisha Reynolds, Col. 
Josias Lyndon, Col. Benj. Hall, Col. 
Job Bennet, Messieurs David Cheese- 
brough, Joseph Jacob, Nath. Coggcs- 
hall, Ephraim Bowen, William El- 
lery Jun., Gideon Wanton, Rev. 
Messrs. Othniel Cambell, Edw. Up- 
ham, Jno. Burt, William Vinal, John 
Maxson, Gardner I'lmrston, Ezra 
Stiles, Marmaduke Brown, Samuel 
Aldborough, Thos. Moffat M.D., 
George Hazard, Joshua Clark Esq., 
Samuel Nightingale, Sherjashub 
Bourn Esq., Messrs. Nicholas Brown, 
Tliomas Eyres, Elnathan Hammond, 
William Rogers, Jno. Tanner, Eze- 
kiel Burroughs, Henry Peckam, etc., 
etc., appear as undertakers in this 
valuable design: And thereupon a 
petition hath been preferred to this 
Assembly praying that full liberty 
and power may l)e granted unto 
them to found, endow, order, and 
govern a College or University with- 
in this Colony; iind for the more ef- 
fectual execution of this design to 
i;icorporate them into one body pol- 
itic, to be known in the law with the 
powers, privileges, and franchises 
necessary to the purposes aforesaid: 



erected for that purpose 



for the general advantage and honor 
of the government: And whereas 
Daniel JenckesEsq., Nicholas Tilling- 
hast Esq., Nicholas Gardner Esq., 
Col. Josias Lyndon, Col. Elisha Rey- 
nolds, Peleg Thurston Esq., Simon 
Pease Esq., John Tillinghast Esq., 
GeorgeHazardEsq.,Col. Job Bennet, 
Nicholas Easton Esq., Arthur Tenner 
Esq., Mr. Ezekiel Gardner, Mr. John 
Waterman, Mr. James Barker Jr., 
Mr. John Holmes, Solomon Drown 
Esq., Mr. Samuel Winsor, Mr. Jo- 
seph Sheldon, Charles Rhodes Esq., 
Mr. Nicholas Brown, Col. Barzillai 
Richmond, Mr. John Brown, Mr. 
Gideon Hoxsey, Mr. Thomas Eyres, 
Mr. Thomas Potter Jr., Mr. Peleg 
Barker, Mr. Edward Thurston, Mr. 
AVilliam Redwood, Joseph Clarke 
Esq., Mr. John G. Wanton, and Mr. 
Thomas Robinson, with many other 
persons, appear as undertakers in 
the valuable design : And thereupon 
a petition hath been preferred to this 
Assembly, praj'ing that full liberty 
and power may be granted unto 
such of them, with others, as arc 
hereafter mentioned, to found, en- 
dow, order, and govern a College or 
University within this Colony; and 
that, for the more effectual execu- 
tion of this design, they may be in- 
corporated into one body politic, to 
be known in the law, Avith the pow- 
ers, privileges, and franchizes neces- 
sary for the purposes aforesaid : 



APPENDIX 



467 



Now, THEREFORE, KNOW YE, 

that being willing to encourage and 
patronize such an advantageous and 
useful institution, we, the said Gov- 
ernor and Company, in General As- 
sembly convened, do, for ourselves 
and our successors, in and by virtue 
of the power and authority, within 
the jurisdiction of this Colony, to us 
by the Royal Charter committed, en- 
act, grant, ordain, constitute, and de- 
clare, and it is hereby enacted, 
granted, ordained, constituted, and 
declared that the said Stephen Hop- 
kins, John Gardner, etc., etc., or 
such and so many of them as shall 
within six months from the date 
hereof accept of this trust and qual- 
ify themselves as hereinafter direct- 
ed, and their successors, shall forever 
hereafter be one body corporate and 
politic, in fact and name, to be 
known in law by the name of the 

Trustees and Fellows op 

College or University in the 
Colony of Rhode Island and 
Providence Plantations, in 
America ; the Trustees and Fellows 
at any time hereafter giving such 



honorable and useful 



granted and committed. 



that the Hon. Stephen Hopkins Esq., 
the Hon. Joseph "Wanton Jr. Esq., 
the Hon. Samuel Ward Esq., the 
Hon. Wilham Ellery Esq., John 
Tillinghast Esq., Simon Pease Esq., 
James Honyman Esq., Nicholas 
Easton Esq., Nicholas Tillinghast 
Esq., Darius Sessions Esq., Joseph 
Harris Esq., Francis Willett Esq., 
Wilham Logan Esq., Daniel Jenckes 
Esq., George Hazard Esq., Nicholas 
Brown Esq., Jeremiah Niles Esq., 
Joshua Babcock Esq., Mr. John G. 
Wanton, the Rev. Edward Upham, 
the Rev. Jeremiah Condy, the Rev. 
Marmaduke Brown, the Rev. Gard- 
ner Thurston, the Rev. Ezra Stiles, 
the Rev. John Graves, the Rev. John 
Maxson, the Rev. Samuel Winsor, the 
Rev. John Gano, the Rev. Morgan 
Edwards, the Rev. Isaac Eaton, the 
Rev. Samuel Stillman, the Rev. Sam- 
uel Jones, the Rev. James Manning, 
the Rev. Russel Mason, Col. Elisha 
Reynolds, Col. Josias Lyndon, Col. 
Job Bennet, Mr. Ephraim Bowen, 
Joshua Clarke Esq., Capt. Jonathan 
Slade, John Taylor Esq., Mr. Rob- 
ert Strettell Jones, Azariah Dunham 
Esq., Mr. Edward Thurston Jr., Mr. 
Thomas Eyres, Mr. Thomas Hazard, 
and Mr. Pclcg Barker, or such or 
so man}" of them as shall, with- 



4G8 



APPENDIX. 



in twelve months from the date 
hereof, accept of this trust, and 
qualify themselves as hereinafter di- 
rected, and their successors, shall be 
forever hereafter one body corporate 
and poUtic, in fact and name, to be 
known in law by the name of Trus- 
tees AND FeLLOAVS of THE COL- 
LEGE OR University in the Eng- 
lish Colony of Rhode Island 
AND Providence Plantations, 
in New England, in America; 
more particular name to said Col- the, instead of " said/' 
lege, in honor of the greatest and 
most distinguished benefactor, or 
otherwise, as they shall think proper ; 
which name, so given, shall, in all 
acts, instruments, and doings of the 
said body politic, bo superadded to 
their corporate name aforesaid, and 
become a part of their legal appel- 
lation, by which it shall be forever forever known and distinguished : 
after known and distinguished : And 
that, by the same name, they and 
their successors, chosen by them- 
selves, as hereinafter prescribed, as hereafter prescribed, 
shall and may have perpetual suc- 
cession; and shall and may be per- 
sons able and capable, in the low, to 
sue and to be sued, to plead and to 
be impleaded, to answer and to be 
answered unto, to defend and to be 

defended, in all and singular suits, and to be defended against, 
causes, matters, actions, and doings, 
of what kind soever : And ' also to 
have, take, possess, acquire, pur- 
chase, or otherwise receive and hold 
lands, tenements, hereditaments, 
goods, chattels, or other estates; of 
all which they may, and shall, stand 
and be seized, notwitlistanding any 
misnomer of this College, or the Cor- of the College, 
poration thereof; and by whatever 
name, or however imperfectly the 
same shall be described in gifts, be- 
quests, aud assignments, provided gift, bequest, and assignment. 



APPENDIX. 



469 



or benefactor be evident: 



buildings and edifices thereof, 
such place 



the true intent of the assignor or 
benefactor shall be evident: Also 
the same to grant, demise, aliene, 
lease, use, manage, and improve, ac- 
cording to the tenor of the dona- 
tions, and to the purposes, trusts, 
and uses to which they shall be 
seized thereof: And full liberty, 
power, and authority is herebj" 
granted unto the said Trustees and 
Fellows, and their successors, to 
found a College or University within 
this Colony, for promoting the lib- 
eral arts and universal literature; 
and with the moneys, estates, and 
revenues, of which they shall from 
time to time become legally seized 
as aforesaid, to endow the same; 
and erect the necessary edifices and 
buildings thereof in such place with- 
in this Colony as they shall think 
convenient; and generally to reg- 
ulate, order, and govern the same, 
appoint officers, and make laws, as 
hereinafter prescribed; and hold, 
use, and enjoy all the liberties, privi- 
leges, exemptions, dignities, and im- 
munities enjoyed by any college or 
university whatever. 

And furthermore, that the said 
Trustees and Fellows, and their suc- 
cessors, shall, and may, forever here- 
after have a public seal, to use for 

all causes, matters, and affairs what- matters, and aflfau'S whatever, 
soever, of them and their successors, 
and the same seal to alter, break, same to alter 
and make anew, from time to time, 
at their will and pleasure; which 
seal shall always be deposited with 
the President, or senior Fellow. 

And furthermore, by the authority 
aforesaid, it is hereby enacted, or- 
dained, and declared, that it is now, 
and at all times hereafter shall con- 
tinue to be, the unalterable constitu- 
tion of this College or University, 

40 



on 



470 



APPENDIX. 



that the Corporation thereof shall 
consist of two branches; that of 
the Trustees, and that of the Fellow- 
ship, with distinct, separate, and 
respective powers : And that the 
number of the Trustees shall and 
may be thirty-five; of which nineteen 
shall forever be eleoted of the denom- 
ination called Baptists, seven shall 
forever be elected of the denomina- 
tion ^ called Congregationalists or 
Presbyterians, five shall forever be 
elected of the denomination called 
Friends or Quakers, and four shall 
forever be elected of the denomina- 
tion called EpiscopaUans : And that 
the succession in this branch shall be 
forever chosen and filled up from the 
respective denominations in this pro- 
poriion, and according to these 
numbers, which are hereby fixed 
and shall remain in perpetuity im- 
mutably the same: And that the 
Hon. Stcplien Hopkins Esq., the 
Hon. John Gardner Esq., the Hon. 
Samuel Ward Esq., the Hon. Wil- 
liam EUcry Esq., James Honey man, 
Francis Willct, Simon Peas, Nicholas 
Easton, Daniel Jenckcs, Jno. Tilling- 
hast, Nicholas Tillinghast, Joseph 
Russel, Edward Scott, Joseph Clark, 
James Helme, Esqrs., Colonels Eli- 
sha Reynolds, Josias Lyndon, Benj. 
Hall, Job Bcnnet, Messieurs David 
Chcesebrough, Joseph Jacob, Nathl. 
Coggcshall, George Hazard, John 
Wanton, the liev. Messrs. John Max- 
son, Samuel Aldborough, and Gard- 
ner Thurston, and Joshua Clark Esq., 
Messrs. Nicholas Brown, Elnathan 
Hammond, Jno. Tanner, William 
Rogers, ICzckiel Burroughs, Henry 
I'eckam, etc., or such and so many 
of them as shall (lualify themselves 
as aforesaid, shall be and tlicy arc 
hereby declared and established ilic 



branches; to wit' 



And that the number of the Trustees 
shall and may be thirty-six; of which 
tAvcnty-two shall forever be elected 
of the denomination called Baptists 
or Anti-Pcdobaptists, five shall for- 
ever be elected of the denomination 
called Friends or Quakers, four shall 
forever be elected of the denomina- 
tion called Congregationalists, and 
five shall forever be elected of the de- 
nomination called Episcopalians; 
and that the succession in this branch 
shall be forever chosen and filled up 
from the respective denominations in 
this proportion, and according to 
these numbers, which are hereby 
fixed, and shall remain to perpetuity 
immutably the same. And that the 
said Stephen Hopkins, Joseph Wan- 
ton, Samuel AVard, William Ellery, 
John Tillinghast,Simon Pease, James 
Honyman, Nicholas Easton, Nicho- 
las Tillinghast, Darius Sessions, Jo- 
seph Harris, Francis Willett, Daniel 
Jenckes, George Hazard, Nicholas 
Brown, Jeremiah Nilcs, John G. 
Wanton, Joshua Clarke, Gardner 
Thurston, John Graves, John Max- 
son, John Gano, Samuel AVinsor, 
Isaac Eaton, Samuel Stillman, Russel 
Mason, Elisha Reynolds, Josias Lyn- 
don, Job Bcnnet, Ephraim Bowen, 
John Taylor, Jonathan Slade, Rob- 
ert Strettcll Jones, Azariah Dunham, 
Edward Thurston Jr., and I'eleg 
Barker, or such or so many of them 
as shall qualify themselves as albre- 
said, shall be and they are hereby 
declared and established the first and 
present Trustees. And that the num- 
ber of the Fellows, inclusive of the 
I'rcsidcul (who shall always beaFcI- 



APPENDIX. 



171 



first and present Trustees. And that 
the number of the Fellows (inclusive 
of the President, who shall always be 
a Fellow), shall and may be twelve; 
of which eight shall forever be elected 
of the denomination called Congre- 
gationalists, and the rest indifferent- 
ly of any and all denominations: 
And that the Rev. IMessrs. Edward 
Upham, Othnicl Campbell, John 
Burt, William Vinal, Ezra Siiles, 
and Marmaduke Brown, Samuel 
Nightingale Esq., Thos. Moffat M. 
D., Sherjashub Brown, and William 
Ellcry Jr., Esqrs., and Dr. Thomas 
Eyres, or such and so many as shall 
qualify themselves as aforesaid, shall 
be and they are hereby declared and 
established the first and present Fel- 
lows and Fellowship, to whom the 
President, when hereafter elected, 
shall be joiued to complete the 
number. 

And furthermore, it is declared 
and ordained, that the succession in 
both branches shall at all times here- 
after be filled up and supplied accord- 
ing to these numbers, and this estab- 
lished and invariable proportion, 
from the respective denominations, 
by the election and concurrence of 
both branches of this Corporation, 
which shall at all times sit and act 
by separate and distinct powers, the 
concurrence of which to become and 
produce the joint act of the Corpo- 
ration : And in general, that in or- 
der to the A'alidity and confirmation 
of all acts, there shall be, in the ex- 
ercise of their respective separate 
and distinct powers, the joint con- 
currence of the Trustees and Fellows 
by their respective mnjorities, except 
in adjudging and conferring the ac- 
ademical degrees, which shall for- 
ever belong exclusively to the Fel- 



low)shall and maybe twelve ; of which 
eight shall be forever elected of the 
denomination called Baptists, or 
Anti-Pedobaptists, and the rest indif- 
ferently of any or all denominations : 
And that the Rev. Edward Upham, 
the Rev. Jeremiah Condy, the Rev. 
Marmaduke Brown,thc Rev. Morgan 
Edwards, the Rev. Ezra Stiles, the 
Rev. Samuel Jones, the Rev. James 
Manning, William Logan Esq., 
Joshua Babcock Esq., Mr. Thomas 
Eyres, and Mr. Thomas Hazard, or 
such or so many of them as shall 
qualify themselves as aforesaid, shall 
be, and they are hereby declared the 
first and present Fellows and Fellow- 
ship, to whom the President, when 
hereafter elected (who shall forever 
be of the denomination called Bap- 
tists or Anti-Pedobaptists), shall be 
joined to complete the number. 

And furthermore, it is declared and 
ordained, that the succession in both 
branches shall at all times hereafter 
be filled up and supplied accoi'ding 
to these numbers, and this estab- 
lished and invariable proportion, 
from the respective dononiinalions, 
by the separate election of both 
branches of this Corporation, which 
shall at all times sit and act by sepa- 
rate and distinct powers; and in gen- 
eral, in order to the validity and con- 
summation of all acts, there shall bo 
in the exercise of their respective, 
separate, and distinct powers, the 
joint concurrence of the Trustees and 
Fellows, by their respective majori- 
ties, except in adjudging and confer- 
ring the academical degrees, which 
shall forever belong, exclusively, to 
the Fellowship, as a learned Faculty. 



472 



APPENDIX 



lowship as a learned Faculty; and the 
election of a President, wliich shall 
forever belong exclusively to the 
Trustees, they the said Trustees con- 
sulting, advising with and taking the 
opinion of the learned Faculty previ- 
ous to their choice and appointment 
of such a learned and important offi- 
cer. 

And furthermore, it is constitu- 
ted that the instniction, immediate 
government of the College, nomina- 
tion of all officers, except the Presi- 
dent, togctlier with the origination, 
preparing and enacting all laws, shall 
forever be and rest in the President 
and Fellows or Fellowship ; and that 
the election of the President, and con- 
firmation of all officers and laAvs, shall 
forever be and rest in the Trustees. 

And furthermore, it is ordained, 
that there shall be a general meeting 
of this Corporation on the first Wed- 
nesday of September annually, with- 
in the College edifice, and until the 
same be built, at such place as they 
shall appoint, to consult, advise, and 
transact the affairs of said College 
or University; at which, or at any 
other time, the public Commence- 
ment may be held and celebrated. 
And that, on any special emergency, 
the President, and any two of the 
Fellows, or any three of the Fellows, 
may convoke, and they are hereby 
empowered to convoke, an assembly 
of the Corporation on six days' no- 
tice: And that, in all meetings, the 
major votes of those present of the 
two In-anches respectively shall bo 
deemed their respective majorities 
aforesaid: Provided, that not less 
than twelve of the Trustees, and 
eight of the Fellows, be the quorum 
of their respective branches. That 
the President, or, in his absence, the 



This clause, " and the election of a 
President," etc., omitted. 



And furthermore, it is constituted, 
that the instruction and immediate 
government of the College shall for- 
ever be and rest in the President and 
Fellows or Fellowship. 



This clause, "and that the election of 
a President," etc., omitted. 



of the Corporation on the first Wed- 
nesday in. September 



of the college; 



special emergencies, 

Avith any two 

Fellows, exclusive of the President, 



twenty days' notice : 
miijor vote 

and five of the Fellows, be a quorum 



APPENDIX 



473 



senior Fellow present, shall always 
be Moderator of the Fellows. That 
this Corporation, at their annual 
meeting, once in three years, or of- 
tener in case of death or removal, 
shall and may choose a Chancellor 
of the University and Treasurer from 
among the Trustees, and a Secretary 
from among the Fellows. That the 
nomination of the Chancellor shall be 
alternatel}' in the Trustees and Fel- 
lows, whose office shall be only to 
preside as Moderator of the Trustees ; 
and that, in his absence, the Trustees 
shall choose ^ a Moderator for the 
time being, by the name of Vice- 
Chancellor. And at any of the 
meetings, duly formed as aforesaid, 
shall and may be elected a Trustee 
or Fellow, or Trustees and Fellows, in 
the room of those nominated in this 
charter, who may refuse to accept, 
or in the room of those who may 
die, resign, or remove out of this 
Colony, or be otherwise removed. 
And in case the Corporation shall 
omit above one year to fill up any 
vacancy or vacancies in their body, 
the respective branches shall and 
may supply the succession in their 
own separate elections, which elec- 
tions shall in such cases be complete 
and valid. 

And furthermore, it is enacted, 
ordained, and declared, that this 
Corporation, at any of their meet- 
ings, regularly convened as afore- 
said, shall and may elect and appoint 
the President and Professors of lan- 
guages, and the several parts of lit- 
erature (the President being always 
chosen by the Trustees as aforesaid) : 
And upon the demise of him or 
them, or either of them, their resig- 
nation or removal from his or their 
office, for misdemeanor, incapacity, 
40* 



shall be in the Trustees 
" and Fellows," omitted. 



of their meetings, 



Trustees or Fellows, 



resign, or be removed. 

This last clause, "And in case the 
Corporation," etc., omitted. 



" the President being always chosen 
by the Trustees as aforesaid," omit- 
ted. 



474 



APPENDIX 



or unfaithfulness (for which he or 
they are hereby declared removable 
by this Corporation), others to elect 
and appoint in their room and stead : 
And at such meetins?, upon the nom- 
ination of the Fellows (who shall 
also have the nomination of the 
Professors), to elect and appoint tu- 
tors, stewards, butlers, and all such 
other officers usually appointed in 
colleges or universities, as they shall 
find necessary, and think lit to ap- 
point, for promoting of liberal educa- 
tion, and the well ordering the af- 
fairs of this College ; and them, or 
any of them, at their discretion, to 
remove, and substitute others in 
their places. And in case any Pres- 
ident, Trustee, or Fellow shall see 
cause to change his religious denom- 
ination, or remove out of this Col- 
ony, this Corporation are hereby 
empowered to declare his or their 
place or places vacant, and may pro- 
ceed to fill it up accordingly; which 
upon the request of cither branch 
being omitted by the body, either 
branch may proceed to declare and 
fill up their vacancy separately as 
aforesaid; otherwise each Trustee 
and Fellow, not an officer of instruc- 
tion, shall continue in his office dur- 
ing life, or until resignation. And 
further, in case either of the religious 
denominations shoidd decline taking 
a part in this catholic, comprehen- 
sive, and liberal institution, the Trus- 
tees and Fellows shall and may com- 
plete their number, by electing from 
their respective denominations in- 
difFercntly, always preserving their 
respective proportions herein before 
prescril)ed and determined: And all 
elections shall be by ballot, or writ- 
ten suffrage : And that a quorum of 
four Trustees and tliree Fellows may 



" who shall also have the nomination 
of the Professors," omitted. 



"or remove out of this Colony," 
omitted. 



accordingly, as before directed; 
"which upon the request," etc., to 
the word " otherwise," omitted. 



indifferently " omitted. 



APPENDIX. 



475 



transact any business, excepting 
placing tlie college edifice, election 

of Trustees, President, Fellows or Fellows and Professors, 
Professors, that is to say, so that 
their act shall be of force and valid- 
ity until the next annual meeting, 
and no longer. 

And it is further enacted and or- 
dained by the authority aforesaid, 
that each Trustee and Fellow, as 
well those nominated in this Charter 
as all that shall hereafter be duly 
elected, shall, previous to their acting 
in a corporate capacity, take the en- 
gagement of allegiance prescribed 
by law of this Government to his of this Colony 
Majesty King George the Third, his 
heirs and rightful successors to the 
crown of Great Britain, which en- 
gagement shall be administered to 
the present Trustees and Fellows by 
the Governor or Deputy-Governor 
of this Colony, and to those from 
time to time hereafter elected by their 
respective Moderators, who arc here- 
by empoAvered to administer the 
same. 

And still more clearly to define 
and ascertain the respective powers 
of the two branches, on making and 
enacting laws, it is further ordained 
and declared, that the Fellowship 
shall have power, and they are here- 
bj" empowered from time to time, 
and at all times hereafter, to make, 
enact, and publish all such laws, 
statutes, regulations, and ordinances, 
with penalties, as to them shall seem 
meet, for the successful instruction 
and government of said College or 
University, not contrary to the spirit, 
extent, true meaning, and intention 
of the acts of the British Parliament 
or the laws of this Colony; and the 
same laws, statutes, and ordinances 
to repeal: Which laws, and the re- 



476 



APPENDIX, 



peals thereof, shall be laid before the 
Trustees, and with then* approba- 
tion shall be of force and validity, 
but not otherwise. And further, the 
Trustees and Fellows, at their meet- 
ings aforesaid, shall ascertain the 
salaries of the respective officers, 
and order the moneys assessed on 
the students for tuition, fines, and 
incidental expenses, to be collected 
by the Steward, or such other officer 
as they shall appoint to collect the 
same; and the same with their rev- 
enues, and other College estates in 
the hands of the Treasurer, to ap- 
propriate in discharging salaries and 
other College debts : And the College 
accounts shall be annually audited 
in the meeting of the Corporation. 

And furthermore, it is herebj^ en- 
acted and declared, that into this 
liberal and catholic institution shall 
never be admitted any religious tests ; 
but, on the contrary, all the mem- 
bers hereof shall forever enjoy full, 
free, unmolested, and absolute liber- 
ty of conscience: And that the places 
of Presidents, Professors, Tutors, 
and all other officers, shall be free 
and open for all denominations of 
Protestants: And that youth of all 
religious denominations shall and 
may be freely admitted to the equal 
advantages, emoluments, and honors 
of this College or University; and 
shall receive a like fair, generous,and 
equal treatment during their resi- 
dence therein, tliey conducting them- 
selves peaceably, and conforming to 
the laws and statutes thereof: And 
that to all the purposes of this Cor- 
poration persons of different sects 
shall be sufficiently distinguished 
and known l)y their free profession 
or declaration, and by their general 
attendance on the public worship of 



audited and adjusted 



full, free, absolute, and uninterrupted 
liberty of conscience : 
And that the places of Professors, 
Tutors, and all other officers, the 
President alone excepted, 



the, instead of "this. 



The rest of this section, beginning 
" And that to all the purposes," and 
ending with " morals of the College" 
(p. 478), omitted. In place thereof, 
the following: And that the public 
teaching shall, in general, respect the 
sciences : and that the sectarian differ- 



APPENDIX 



477 



their respective denominations : And 
it is hereby ordained and declared, 
that in this Collej^e shall no undue 
methods or arts be practised to al- 
lure and proselyte one another, or 
to insinuate the peculiar principles 
of any one or other of the denomi- 
nations into the youth in general; 
which, as well as the monopoly of 
oflfices, might discourage the send- 
ing of students to this College, in- 
volve unhappy controversies among 
the instructors, and defeat this good 
design : And it is thereupon agreed, 
declared, constituted and established, 
that everything of this nature shall 
be accounted a misdemeanor, mu- 
tually avoided as much as possible, 
and by all the denominations, gen- 
erously disdained aiid discounte- 
nanced as beneath the dignity, and 
foi-cign from the true intention, of 
this Confederacy: That accordingly 
the public teaching shall in general 
respect the sciences, and that the 
sectarian differences of opinion, »nd 
controversies on the peculiarities of 
principle, shall not make any part of 
the public and classical instruction: 
Although all religious controversies 
may be studied freely, examined,and 
explained by the President, Profes- 
sors, and Tutors, in a personal, sep- 
arate, and distinct manner to the 
youth of any and each denomination, 
they or their parents requesting the 
same. And that in this the President, 
Professors, and Tutors shall treat 
the religion of each denomination 
with peculiar tenderness,charity, and 
respect; so that neither denomina- 
tion shall be alarmed with jealousies 
orapprehensions.of any illiberal and 
disingenuous attempts upon one an- 
other, but on the contrary an open, 
free, undesigning, and generous hav' 



ences of opinion shall not make any 
part of the publicand classical instruc- 
tion: Although all religious contro- 
versies may be studied freely, exam- 
ined, and explained by the President, 
Professors, and Tutors, in a personal, 
separate, and distinct manner, to the 
youth of any or each denomination: 
And above all, a constant regard be 
paid to, and effectual care taken of, 
the morals of the College. 



478 



APPENDIX. 



mony; and a mutual lionorablc re- 
spect shall be recommended and en- 
deavored, in order to exhibit an ex- 
ample in which literature may be 
advanced on Protestant harmony, 
and the most perfect religious lib- 
erty : Yet, nevertheless, shall be pub- 
licl}^ taught and explained to all the 
youth, the existence, character, and 
dominion of the Supreme Being, 
the general evidences of natural and 
revealed religion, and the principles 
of moral philosophy, and a constant 
regard be paid to, and effectual care 
taken of the morals of the College. 

And furthermore, for the honor 
and encouragement of literature, we 
constitute and declare the Fellowship 
aforesaid a learned Faculty ; and do 
hereby give, grant unto, and invest 
them and their successors with full 
power and authority, and they are 
hereby authorized and empowered by 
their President, and in his absence by 
the senior Fellow, or one of the Fel- 
lows appointed by themselves, at the 
anniversary Commencements, or at 
any other times, and at all times here- 
after, to admit to and confer an}^ and 
all the learned (legrees,givcn and con- 
ferred in any of the colleges or uni- 
versities in Europe, and particularly 
in the Universities of Cambridge and 
Edinburgh in Great IJritain, or any 
such other degrees of literary honor 
as they shall devise, upon any and 
all such candidates and persons as 
the President and Fellows, or Fellow- 
ship, shall judge worthy of the ac- 
ademical honors: Which power of 
conferring degrees is hereby restrict- 
ed to the learned Faculty alone, who 
shall or may issue diplomas or cer- 
tificates of such degrees, or confer 
degrees by diplomas, and authenti- 
cate them with the public seal of the 



which can or ought to be given 



" in Europe, and particularly in the 
Universities of Cambridge and Edin- 
burgh in Great Britain," omitted. In 
place thereof, the words, " in Amer- 
ica," substituted. 



A P P i: N I) I X 



479 



Corporation, and the hands of the 
President and Fellows, and in this 
case with the hands of all the Pro- 
fessors as witnesses, and deliver tliem 
to the graduates as honorable and 
perpetual testimonies thereof. 

And furthermore, for the greater 
encouragement of this seminary of 
learning, and that the same may be 
amply endowed and enfranchised 
with the same privileges, dignities, 
and immunities enjoyed by the 
American Colleges and European 
Universities, We do grant, enact, or- 
dain, and declare, and it is hereby 
granted, enacted, ordained, and de- 
clared, that the College estate, the 
estates, persons, and families of the 
President and Professors, for the 
time being, lying and being within 
this Colony, with the persons of the 



tutors, graduates, and students, dur- 
ing their residence, shall be freed and 
exempted from all taxes, serving on 
jui-ies, and menial services : And that 
the persons aforesaid, together with 
those that shall have received the 
degree of Bachelor of Arts, or any 
of the higher degrees, and the di- 
ploma thereof, shall be exempted 
from bearing arms, impress, and mil- 
itary service. 

And furthermore, for establishing 
the perpetuity of this Corporation, 
and in case that at any time here- 
after, through oversight, or other- 
wise through misapprehensions and 
mistaken constructions of the pow- 



President and Secretary, and of all 
the Professors 



thereof " omitted. 



[This clause on exemption from tax- 
ation was changed by the General 
Assembly, at its February session, in 
1863, the Corporation of Brown Uni- 
versity consenting, as follows : " The 
estates, persons, and families of the 
President and Professors for the time 
being, and of their successors in of- 
fice, shall not hereafter be freed and 
exempted from taxes for more than 
the amount of ten thousand dollars 
for each of such officers; his estates, 
person, and family included."] 
" gi'aduates " omitted, 
residence at the College, 

And that the persons aforesaid shall 
be exempted from bearing arms, 
impresses, and military sei-vices, ex- 
cept in case of an invasion. 



480 APPENDIX. 

ers, liberties, and franchises herein 
contained, any laws should be en- 
acted, or any matters done and 
transacted by this Corporation con- 
trary to the tenor of this charter, it 
is hereby enacted, ordained, and de- 
clared, that all such laws, acts, and 
doinjrs shall be in themselves null 
and void : Yet, nevertheless, the same 
shall not, in any courts of law, or by 
the General Asscmlily, be deemed, 
taken, interpreted, or ajudged into 
an avoidance, defeasance, or forfeit- 
ure of this Charter; but that the 
same shall be and remain unhurt, 
inviolate, and entire, unto the said 
Corporation, in perpetual succession ; 
which Corporation may, at all times 
and forever hereafter, proceed and 
continue to act: And all their acts, 
confoi-mable to the powers, tenor, 
true intent and meaning: of the char- 
ter, shall be and remain in full force 
and validity; the nullity and avoid- 
ance of any such illegal acts to the 
contrary in any wise notwithstand- 
ing. 

And lastly. We, the Governor and 
Company aforesaid, do, for ourselves 
and for our successors, forever hereby 
enact, grant, and confirm unto the 
said Trustees and Fellows, and to 
their successors, that this Charter 
of incorporation, and every part 
thereof, shall be good and available 
in all things in the law, according to 
our true intent and meaning: And 
shall be constructed, reputed, and 
adjudged, in all cases, most favora- 
bly on the behalf and for the best 
Jjenefit and behoof of the said Trus- 
tees and Fellows, and their succes- 
sors, so as most eflcctually to an- 
swer the valual)le ends of this useful 
institution. 

In full testimony of which grant, 



Dfpiifi/ Secretary. 



APPENDIX. 481 

and of all the articles and matters Signed and sealed at Newport, the 
therein contained, the said Governor twenty-fourth day of October, in the 
and Company do hereby order, that year of om- Lord One Thousand 

this act shall be signed by the Gov- ^'^•^•^ Seven Hundred and Sixty-five, 
ernor and Secretary, and sealed and in the fifth year of His Majesty's 
with the public seal of this Colony, Reign, George the Third, by the 
and registered in the Colony Rec- grace of God, of Great Britain, etc., 
ords : And that the same, or an ex- King. 

emplification thereof, shall be a suf- SAMUEL WARD, Governor. 

cient warrant to the said Corporation Edward Thurston Jr 

to hold, use, and exercise all the 
powers, franchises, and immunities 
herein contained. 

STEPHEN HOPKINS, Governor. 

Henry Ward, Secretary.^ 



On the back of the original draft of the Charter, from which the forego- 
ing has been copied, is written, " For the Rev. Dr. Cha. Chauncy, Boston," 
in Dr. Stiles's handwriting, and also the following remarks, intended evi- 
dently for Mr. Chauncy's benefit : — 

"This Charter was presented to the Assembly Aug. 1763; recopied, 
with some alterations by the Baptists, in October; and passed the Assembly 
February 1764. Principal alterations were : — 

1. By omitting 'To all people, etc.. Greeting,' in the initiatory address, 
the subsequent insertion in the body of the Charter, " Now, therefore, know 
ye," is an impropriety in clerkship. 

2. The Baptists have shown a greater afi'ection for all other denomina- 
tions than for the Congregationalists. 

3. Instead of eight or a majority of Congregationalists in the branch of 
the Fellowship, according to the original agreement, they have inserted 
eight Baptists; thus assuming a majority of about two thirds in both 
branches, hereby absorbing the whole power and government of the Col- 
lege, and thus, by the immutability of the numbers, establishing it a party 
college more explicitly and effectually than any college upon the conti- 
nent. This is the most material alteration. 

4. Most of what is contained between the marginal crotchets in page 6 
is omitted; and the whole paragraph for securing the freedom of education 
with respect to religion, so mutilated as etfcctually to enable and empower 



^ These signatures were added to the document by tlie author. Not having 
passed the General Assembly, it could not, of course, be signed and scaled. 
-11 



482 A p r F. N 1) I X . 

the Baptists to practise the arts of insinuation, and proselyting upon the 
youth by private instruction, without the request of the parents." 

These remarks are by the author of the original draft of the Charter of 
Brown University. What " original agreement " was violated by the 
adoption of the present CJiarter, in what respects Brown University is es- 
tablished " a party college more explicitly and effectually than any college 
upon the continent," referring of coui-se to the six colleges in existence in 
the year 1764 (see page 38), and how the paragraph pertaining to religious 
freedom and sectarian differences of opinion " enables and empowers the 
Baptists to practise the arts of insinuation and proselyting," we leave to the 
judgment and candor of our readers to decide. 



INDEX 



Abbot, Daniel, former owner of part 
ofCollegelot, 115. 

Abolition of the slave trade, Dissent- 
ers in England petition for, 407. 

Abolition Society of E,. I., Moses 
Brown one of founders, 174. 

Abraham, 182; covenant with, 255-6, 
320. 

Abridgments and abridgers, de- 
spised by Gov. Hopkins, 868. 

Academy, Manning proposes to estab- 
lish in Kentucky, 357, 367. 

Academical feathers, 188. 

Academical honors, mode of con- 
ferring. 214. See also Honorary. 

Act for the Relief of E. I. Col- 
lege, passed by Congress, April 16, 
1800, 3S8. 

Adams, John, delegate to first Con- 
gres.^, 237; opposes the Baptists in 
conference, 238; an admirer of Dr. 
Stillman, 133. 

Adams, Samuel, delegate to first Con- 
gress, 237. 

Addresses, Sermons, etc., extracts: 
address from Baptist church, Phila- 
delphia, respecting Winchester, 333; 
address of Warren Association to 
their friends and countrymen, 320; 
address of Corporation to King of 
France, 301 ; Burges's address before 
Federal Adclphi, 305; Manning's ad- 
dress in behalf of Corporation to Geo. 
Wai=hington, 434; Washington's re- 
ply, 435; Manning's charge to gradu- 
ating class of 1771, 193; to class of 
1789, 425; Doggett's Commencement 



oration on Manning, 456 ; Robert Hall 
on death of Kyland, 23; Fobes's ser- 
mon on the death of Manning, 452; 
Stillman's sermon on death of Nicho- 
las Brown, 158. 

Afflictions, necessary, 210; will not 
alone wean from the world, 213. 

Agreement between contending par- 
ties in Baptist church, Providence, 
154. 

Agrarian Law, to prevent monopo- 
lies of land, 359; to set bounds to 
an insatiable thirst for " realizing," 
300. 

Alden, Abner, graduates in class of 
1787, 400; inclined to fill the place of 
a tutor, 448; master of the famous 
school at Raynhara, 401. 

Alden, John, and Priscilla Mullins, of 
whom Longliellow sings, 401. 

Alden, Noah, represents Bellingham 
church at first meeting of Warren 
Association, 75; Trustee of Baptist 
Education Fund, 316; Anti-Federal 
delegate to Mass. Convention, 406. 

Alexander, Cosmo, Scotch artist, 
of Edinburgh, painted Manning's 
portrait, 459. 

Alibone's Dictionary of Authors, cited, 
387. 

Alison, Hugh, classmate of Manning, 
33. 

Alison, Mr. of Bordentown, 277, 411. 

Allen, Eichard, on singing, 179. 

Allen, Isaac, classmate of Manning 
and valedictorian, 33. 

Allison, Dr. Burgess, name suggested 



481 



I N 1) E X . 



by Stillman, as successor of 3Ianinng, 
453. 

Al.my, William, son-in-law of Moses 
Brown, 175. 

America, settlements on uncultivated 
lands. 359; Granville Sharp's interest 
ill, 362; fair daughters of, to banish 
foreign articles from their dress, 400; 
dialogue on prospects of, 412; grow- 
ing greatness and prosperity of, 442. 

American Academy of Arts and 
Sciences, 162, 260. 

American Army, increased by Con- 
gress, 140. 

American Baptist Almanac, cited, 
239. 

American Baptist Missionary Un- 
ion, jubilee meeting, 239. 

American Baptist Churches, llip- 
pon's Eegister, intended for, 441. 

American Jenner, Dr. Waterhouse 
the, 299. 

Ameuican Quarterly Register, ci- 
ted, 6. 

American Revolution, of God, 318. 

American War, John Brown a leader 
in, 166; Smith's letters during his 
service in, as chaplain, 139-142; Man- 
ning's history of the times during, 
311-317; Gordon the historian of, 421. 

Americans, crimes towards their cred- 
itors, 423. 

Anabaptists, settle in Providence. 
144; College represented as a nest of, 
192. See Baptists. 

Anecdotes: John Brown, 170; Nich- 
olas Brown, 156; Jolin Gauo, 35; mo- 
ther of Stephen Gano,364; Manning, 
259, 260, 300, 342, 379, 404; Ilezekiah 
Smith, 133; Washington and Dr. 
Rogers, 94; Washington and Thom- 
as Mullett, 310; Wa.^hington and his 
lionorary degree, 436. 

Anecdotes of the College, 232. See 
Nap.rative. 

Angell, Deborah, married to I'resi- 
dcnt Messer, 410. 

Anniversary of Independence, in 
1779, 276. 

Anniversaries, Commencement, 87. 



Annual expenses of a College student 
in 1788, 406. 

Antietam, Gen. Rodman fell at battle 
of, 397. 

Anti-Federalists, enemies of the 
"New Constitution," 403; Maxcy's 
Fourth-of-July oration sarcastic upon, 
402. 

Anti-Pedobaptist. See Baptist. 

Anti-Trinitarianism, 223. 

Anti-Trinitarians, growth of, in 
England, 212. 

Apostasy of Winchester, 327; in re- 
ligion during the war, 312. 

Appeal to the Public for Religious Lib- 
erty, 238. 

Aquiday, Isle of, Rhode Island, 144. 

Aristocratic oppression, landed 
possessions tend to, 359. 

Armenians and Universalists, 328. 

Arnold, Benedict, Ward serves under, 
193. 

Arnold, James, manager of church 
lottery, 228. 

Arnold, Jonathan, delegate to Con- 
gress, 167; drafts petition to Congress 
for damages done to College edifice, 
290. 

Arnold, Lyndon, appointed tutor, 437. 

Arnold, Oliver, Attorney General of 
Rhode Island, 97. 

Arnold, Richard J., 171. 

Arnold, Thomas, on town committee, 
to draft petition to Congress, 425. 

Arnold, Welcome, member of school 
committee, 419; on town committee 
to draft petition to Congress, 425; on 
committee to superintend Manning's 
funeral, 451. 

Arnold's History of Rhode Island, ci- 
ted, 64, 65, 82, 87, 170, 399. 

Articles of Confederation, inadt'(iuate 
to purposes of government. 378. 

Ash, Dr. John, of Pershore, England, 
worthy of College honors, 100; Dr. 
Richards preaches for as an assistant, 
445. 

Asheield, oppression of the Baptists 
in, 80, 185, 204 ; stopped by order of the 
English (jlovemment tlirough the in- 
fluence of Dr. Stenuett, 217, 220. 



INDEX . 



485 



ASHFORD, Conn., 23i. 

Atonement, sermon on, in opposition 
to views of Priestley, 415. 

Atwell, Amos M., valedictorian of 
class of 1788, 412. 

Augustine, enmity against exhibited 
in Eobinson's History of Baptism, 439. 

Baccock, Joshua, present at first meet- 
ing of Corporation, 64; at meeting to 
determine final location of College, 
110; Major-Gcneral of Khode Island 
Militia, G6. 

Backus, Isaac, present at early meet- 
ings of Corporation, 67; letter to Dr. 
Gill respecting Manning, 71; clerk 
of first meeting of Warren Associa- 
tion, 74; manuscript minutes, 74; pres- 
ent at meeting to determine final lo- 
cation of College, 110; on committee 
to wait upon Manning, 112 ; statement 
respecting Chad Brown incorrect, 
144; appointed to collect materials for 
history of Baptist.'?, 204; agent of Bap- 
tist churches, appointed to attend 
Congress of delegates at Philadelphia, 
236; journey to Philadelphia, 237; 
present at meeting of Corporation 
in 1782, 289; trustee of Baptist Edu- 
cation Fund, 316; appointed on com- 
mittee of grievances by Warren As- 
sociation, 330; curious fact concern- 
ing first volume of Church History, 
876, 386; delegate to Massachusetts 
Convention, and one of the most 
powerful men of Anti-Federal party, 
404; copies and publishes Manning's 
charge to class of 1789, 425; writes to 
Dr. Rippon announcing death of 
Manning, 455; allusions to in Man- 
ning's correspondence, 212, 222, 310, 
324; in Preface, 5; Church History 
of New England, cited, 61, 62, 79, 81, 
153, 235,*289, 427, 444; biographical 
sketch, 130-132. See Letters. 

Badger, Moses, member of school 
committee, 419. 

Baldavin, Sylvester, nuncupative will 
proved by Chad Brown, 143. 

Baldwin, Thomas, trustee of Baptist 
Education Fund, 316; Manning una- 
41* 



hie to attend his installation, 437; 
Baldwin, Stillman, and Smith preach- 
ers of the " Commencement ser- 
mons," 90. 

Ball, Mr., of Philadelphia, 279. 

Baloav, Baptist minister in Richmond, 
N. H., 186. 

Baptist Church, Providence, old- 
est in America, 178; Roger W^illiams, 
Chad Brown and descendants,143-176; 
mode of worship in early times, 148, 
226; history, in 1770, and Manning's 
connection with, 178-181; reasons for 
not uniting at first with Warren As- 
sociation, 290; glorious revival in 
1774-5,180, 246; revival in 1790, 432, 
437; Manning declines the pastoral 
care,3Sl, 382; Hezekiah Smith desired 
as successor, 383, 432; composed of 
some most wealthy men in State, 381 ; 
Manning resigns the pastoral care 
and preaches farewell sermon, 449; 
Dr. Gano's connection with, 35, .365; 
large number of communicants, 366. 

Baptist Meeting-house, Provi- 
dence, old house built in 1726, de- 
scription of, 220; present house built 
in 1774-1775, account of, 225-230; John 
Brown " the committee-man," 16S; 
monument of Joseph Brown's skill as 
an architect, 103; engraved for Rip- 
pon's Register, English astonished at 
steeple, 440. 

Baptist Churches: Ashford, Ct., 
234; Boston (First), 134, 188; New 
York, 35; Haverhill, 136; Lanjloffau, 
Whales, 443; London (Dr. Gill's), 120, 
323; Pennepek, 274; Philadelphia, 44, 
92, 276, 277, 279, 331, 333-335 ; Swanzey, 
103; Warren, 68-71, 103; Wrentham, 
105. 

Baptist, committee appointed by War- 
ren A.'^sociation to prepare catechism, 
291; College opposed because of im- 
portance to cause, 319; government 
of churches, 72 ; churches in N^ew Eng- 
land steadfast, 328 ; good order, learn- 
ing, and respectability of churches 
much owing to Manning, 459; clergy 
of New England loyal, 323; liberal 
scheme of the College without a par- 



486 



I N D E X 



alcl. 47; origin of Education Furd. 
316; interest in England more flour- 
ishing than rresbyteriau or Inde- 
pendent, 325; zeal and liberality of 
laymen of Trovidence, 120; Ry land's 
list of educated ministers in England, 
218; number of ministers in England 
and Wales, 21G; jubilee of Mission- 
ary Union at Philadelphia, 239 ; Col- 
lege instrumental in promoting prin- 
ciples, and adding respectability to 
the profession, 314, 318; whole con- 
gregations of Congregationalists em- 
brace the principles, 346; youth to be 
educated at Harvard from the Hoi lis 
funds, 41; Maxcy's election to Presi- 
dency of Union College objected to 
because a, 402. 

Baptist Society or denomination 
satisfied -with the final location of the 
College, 112, 114; largely indebted 
to Wilhams, Backus, Smith, Stillman, 
and Manning, 105, 130; Stillman's in- 
terest in, 132, 133; Ptoger Williams in- 
strumental in planting in America, 
147; Manning well acquainted with 
state of, 195; regards literature with 
a more favorable eye through influ- 
ence of the College, 308; di!^posed to 
aid the College, but unable through 
poverty, 315; increases more rapidly 
than any other denomination, 328; 
especially in Virginia, the Middle and 
Southern States, 428; gains ground in 
England, 386: Winchester excluded 
from fellowship of,333 ; Brooks's paper 
on growth of, during last half centu- 
ry, 238; largest evangelical denomin- 
ation in United States with a single 
exception, 238, 239. 

Baptists, alone originated the College, 
48; represented at first meeting of 
Corporatioji, 66; Rhode Island the 
land of, 42; catholicity of well-nigh 
cost them loss of charter, 47; early 
organization of in New England, 73; 
confession of faith, 80; growing un- 
friendliness towards, 41; advocates of 
civil and religious freedom, 39, 81, 
136; not specially friendly as a denom- 
ination to learning, 124, 462; have 



mai.ifested iudifTerence to their his- 
tory, 5; "poor, despised, and op- 
pressed," 58,315; and Congregation- 
alists, dispute between, 38, 183; in 
Virginia and North Carolina, 182; op- 
pressions of, by the "Standing Or- 
der," 185, 186, 204, 217, 220, 231, 330, 
331, 339, 349; appoint day of fasting 
and prayer in consequence of oppres- 
sions, 186; prejudices against greatly 
abated, 328; controversy between ami 
the Independents of England, 442, 443 ; 
statistics of in America, in 17G4, 238. 
Baptism, by immersion only, a divine 
institution, 122; controvenir.l letter 
on, 253; validity of, administered by 
an unbaptized or Pedobaptist minis- 
ter, 429, 431. See iNFAJST-SPnixic- 

LIIfG. 

Baukeu, Peleg, present at first meet- 
ing of Corporation, 64; at meeting to 
determine final location of College, 
110. 

Baiikek, married into the Brown fami- 
ly, 155. 

Barrels, Manning's papers deposited 
in, 7. 

Bartlett, J. R., efibrts in obtaining 
collection of portraits, 397; Colonial 
Records, cited, 167,197; Bibliography 
of Rhode Island, cited, 8. 

BAnTo>', Mr., at Hopewell, 278. 

BARTOX,Wm., captor of Major-General 
Prescott, 396. 

Bayle'9 Dictionary, presented to 
College Library, 370. 

Beach, Landlord, 268. 

Beacon Hill, Boston, 134. 

Bedbuos, i)revent sleep, 281. 

Beddome, Benj., honorary degree con- 
ferred on, 128. 

BEPGEWOor), Nicholas, assistant to Oli- 
ver Hart, 37. 

Believer's baptism, 71, 182. 

Bell, Capt., betrothed to Miss Howard, 
251. 

Bell of Baptist meeting-house, Provi- 
dence, motto on, 230. 

Belnap, Isaac, 281. 

r.ELTON, Joseph, member of first grad- 
uating clasB, 88. 



INDEX 



487 



Benedict, David, married daughter of 
Stephen Gano, 363; error in notice of 
Chad Brown, 144; History of the 
Baptist Denomination, cited, 58, 74, 
144, 152, 858; services acknowledged 
in Preface, 8. 

Beneficent Congregational Soci- 
ety, Providence, 127. 

Bennett, Job, connection with history 
of College Charter, 47, 54; present at 
first meeting of Corporation, 64 ; at 
meeting to determine final location 
of College, 110. 

Benevolence of Nicholas Brown's dis- 
position, 156; Manning's views of, 353. 

Benson, Francis, 394; subscribes for a 
set of Gordon's History, 424. 

Benson, George, friend of Thos. Mack- 
ancss, 3.53; on committee to superin- 
tend 3Ianning's funeral, 451. 

Berkeley, Bishop, description of New- 
port, 113: portrait in Rhode Island 
Hall, 397. 

Berridge, John, Manning reviews his 
" Christian World Unmasked," 253- 
258. 

Bible, records the sins and mistakes 
of good men, 193. 

Bible Society, of Rhode Island, Mo- 
ses Brown a founder of, 174. 

Bib i.iographical " morceau " respect- 
ing Backus's History, 372, 376. 

BiDWEL, Widow, 266, 286. 

Biggs, Pev. Mr., recommended for an 
" academical feather," 217. 

Bill op Eights, Massachusetts, 239. 

BiNNEY, Capt. Barnabas,of Boston, 157. 

BiNNEY, Barnabas, son of Capt. Barna- 
bas, "meek young Christian," 159; 
graduates in 1774 with valedictory 
honors, 233; sketch of, 233, 234. 

BiNNEY, Avis, daughter of Capt. Bar- 
nabas, second wife of Nicholas Brown, 
157. 

BiNNEY, Hon. Horace, son of Barnabas, 
Nestor of the Pennsylvania bar, 233. 

Biographical sketches : Rev. Isaac 
Backus, 130-132; Barnabas Binney, 
233,234; Chad Brown, 143-150; John 
Brown, 151, 152 ; Elder James Brown, 
152-155 J James Brown, 155, 156; Nich- 



olas Brown, 156-161; Prof. Joseph 
Brown, 162-166 ; John Brown, 166-173 ; 
Moses Brown, 173-176; Hon. Nicholas 
Brown, 394-397; Hon. James Burrill, 
LL.D. ,413-414 ; Dr. Solomon Drowne, 
346, 347; Rev. Isaac Eaton, 25, 26; 
Hon. Samuel Eddy, 401 ; Rev. Morgan 
Edwards, 43-45; Gov. Stephen Hop- 
kins, 65, 338, 369; Hon. David Howell. 
85,86; Rev. John Gano, 34-33; Rev. 
Stephen Gano, M.D., 364-336; Wil- 
liam Gordon, D.D., 387; Hon. Daniel 
Jenckes, 51, 52; Samuel Jones. D.D., 
274; Jonathan Maxcy, D.D., 401-403; 
Asa Mcsser, D.D., 409-411 ; Rev. Benj. 
Miller, 26, 27; Hezekiah Smith, D.D., 
135-142; Rev. Isaac Stelle, 36; Sam- 
uel Stillman, D.D., 132-135; Rev. 
William Richards, LL.D., 445-447; 
John Rippon, D.D., 323; Hon. Asher 
Robbins, 329; Prof. William Rogers, 
D.D., 91-96; Rev. Charles Thompson, 
103, 104; Rev. Augustus M. Toplady, 
202-204; Gen. James Mitchell Var- 
num, 96-102; Dr. Benj. Waterhouse, 
299, 300 ; Rev. William Williams, 104- 
106; Jemima Wilkinson, 312; Rev. 
Elhanan Winchester, 333-335. 

Bishops, j)opular right of electing, 361. 

Bissett, George, present at early meet- 
ings of Corporation, 67. 

Bitterness of Congregationalists to- 
wards College, 190-192. 

Black WELL, John, educated at the 
Hopewell Academy, 42; Manning 
visits, 272. 

Blair, Rev. Dr., elected to the Presi- 
dency of College of New Jersey, 27. 

Blake's Biographical Dictionary, ci- 
ted, 401. 

Blasdel, Isaac, baptized, 123. 

Blood, Caleb, on committee of griev- 
ances, 330 ; removed to Vermont, 409. 

Bloss, Abraham, represents Attlcboro 
church at first meeting of Warieu 
Association, 75. 

Bohemia, a monarchial despotism, 859. 

BoLiNGBROKE on Histofy, text-book 
in College, 305. 

BoNNELL, Levi, educated at the Hope- 
well Academy, 42. 



488 



I X D E 



Books, imported for the Librarj', Man- 
ning disai^pointed in price of, 3Gi. 

Booth, Abraham, charactcM-and works, 
223; translation of Abbadie's Treatise 
on the Divinity of Christ, a •' master- 
ly performance,'' 385; I'cdobaptism 
Examined, a laborious and important 
woik, 341, 355, 433; Essay on the 
Kingdom of Christ, lays the axe to 
the root of infant-baptism, 428; enti- 
tled to assistance from fiiends in 
America, 427; beiicvcs in the validity 
of baptism by immersion administered 
by a Tedobaptist minister, 418. See 
Letteks. 

EoiiDEN, Joseph, dwelling-house burnt 
by British, 277. 

BouDENTOWN, ravages of British 
troops in, 277. 

Boston, ravages of British troops in, 
140; account of Dr. Stillman's meet- 
ing-house, 134; newspapers, "inge- 
nious to i^rovoke," 338. 

BouETON, William, honorary degree 
conferred on by the College, 89. 

Bourn, Benj., member of school com- 
mittee, 419; on town committee to 
draft petition to Congress, 425. 

Bov.-EX, Benj., house of, 119. 

EowEX, Ephraim, distinguished physi- 
cian in Trovidence, 04; present at 
meeting to determine final location of 
College, 110. 

BowEN, Ephraim, actor iii atfair of the 
Gaspce, 172. 

BOWEN, Jabez, present at early meet- 
ings of Corporation, 07, 110; at meet- 
ing in 1780, 288 ; honorary degree con- 
ferred on, 89; Chancellor, 405, 451; 
on committee to draft letter to Benj. 
Franklin, 3J1; subscriber for set of 
Gordon's History, 424; member of 
school committee, 419. 

BowEN, Oliver, owner of part of the 
original College lot, 116. 

BowEN, Dr. Pardon, graduate in class 
of 1775, 242. 

BowEN, Wm., honorary degree con- 
ferred on, 128. 

BowEUS, David, 277. 



BowEits, Widow, married to J. Jenckea. 
398. 

Bov/LES, Capt., 2(36, 286. 

BoYLE, John, printer in Boston, 238. 

Bray's meeting-house, N. J., Manning 
preaches in, 271. 

Brick scuoolhouse, Providence, 119, 
198, 419. 

Bristol Academy, Llewelyn be- 
queatlis his library to, 194. 

Bristol Education Society, make 
valuable donation of books to the 
College, 339; sketch of, 370; referred 
to. 357. 

Bristol County, College edifice to be 
erected in, 108, 110. 

British, probable rupture with Gov- 
ernment, 114; first blood shed in war 
of Independence, 171 ; troops take 
possession of Kewport, 242; laud at 
Eli.-^abethtown Poiiit, 271; ravages in 
Danbury, Ct., 283; fleet at Stony 
I'oint, with five hundred prisoners, 
taken by Wayne, 278; encroachments 
of Parliament, 233; inhumanity. 283. 

Britain, Mr., calls on Planning, 277. 

Brother, Esquire, 284. 

Brotheuly love and kindness, more 
prevalent, 262, 238. 

Brookfield Mass., Congregational- 
ists of oppress the Baptists, 331. 

Brooks, Kendall, paper on growth of 
Baptist denomination, 239. 

Urow^n UNm:RSiTY, century elapsed 
since founded, 5; Morgan Edwards 
prime mover in originating, 45; sev- 
enth in America in order of date, 38; 
account of origin, 39; spirit of in re- 
lation to religion, 46; and the War- 
ren Association, 82; Commencement 
anniversaries, 87; "Hope College" 
and "Manning Hall" erected, 395; 
engraving of and of " University 
Hall," 107; amount of benefactions 
and bequests from ^Nicholas Brown, 
395; named in honor of Kicholas 
Brown, G6, 157, 395; account of por- 
traits in Khode Island Hall, 390; 
Ilicliards, of England, bequeaths his 
library to, 147; entcra upon the sec- 



INDEX. 



m 



ond century of its existence, 463. See 
College and Manning. 

Brown Family, and ancestors, ac- 
count of, 143-176; no painter's skill 
transferred their features to canvas, 
176. 

Brown, Chad, ancestor of the Brown 
family, 143; statements of writers re- 
specting date of his arrival in Prov- 
idence incorrect, 144; "first Baptist 
elder in Rhode Island," 115; College 
building erected on his home-lot, 115, 
146; and Koger Williams, 145, 147, 
150; biographical sketch, 143-150. 

Brown, Elizabeth, wife of Chad, 144. 

Brown, John, eldest son of Chad, 151; 
marries daughter of Obadiah Holmes, 
the '■• first Baptist martyr " in New 
England, 151; biographical sketch, 
151, 152. 

Brown, Martha, daughter of John, 
married to Governor Joseph Jenckes, 
152. 

Brown, Daniel, brother of John, 152. 

Brown, Elder James, second son of 
John, pastor of the Baptist church, 
152, 153; liberal and catholic spirit of, 
154; biographical sketch, 152-154. 

Brown, James, son of Elder James, 
and father of the " Fc r Brothers," 
155; agreement in controversy on 
chuich communion, 154; biographi- 
cal sketch, 155, 156. 

Brown, Capt. James, eldest son of 
James, died in Virginia, 156. 

Brown, Mary, daughter of James, mar- 
ried to Dr. David Vauderlight, 156. 

Brown, Nicholas, oldest of the " Four 
Brothers," 156; present at first meet- 
i; J of the Corporation, 64; distin- 
guished merchant, 66; present at 
meeting to determine final location 
of the College, 110; llezekiah Smith 
a welcome and frequent guest at his 
house, 138; on committees of Baptist 
Society, 227; appointed by General 
Assembly chairman of committee to 
manage lottery for meeting-house, 
228; Manning writes to, from Phila- 
delphia, 279; present at meeting of 
Corporation in 1780, 288; mentioned 



by Dr. Gordon in correspondence, 
394; loses his new-born son, 398; sub- 
scriber for set of Gordon's History, 
425; on town committee to draft pe-. 
tition to Congress, 425; sickness of, 
437; death and funeral, 158, 448; men- 
tion of, in connection with death of 
Manning, 450; biographical sketch, 
156-161. See Letters. 

Brown, Joey, daughter of Nicholas, 
sickness and death, 382, 337, 347, 
351. 

Brown, Moses, youngest son of Nicho- 
las, graduates in class of 1790, 435; 
early death, 436. 

Brown, Hope, daughter of Nicholas, 
married to Thomas Poyuton Ives, 
157; "Hope College" named after, 
52, 395. 

Brown, Plon. Nicholas, son of Nicho- 
las, descendant on his mother's side 
of Richard Scott, 147; marries daugh- 
ter of Benjamin Stelle, 36; graduates 
in class of 1786, 394; name of Rhode 
Island College changed to Brown 
University in honor of, 52, 66, 157, 
395; full-length portrait of in Rhode 
Island Hall, 396; biographical sketch, 
394-897. See Letters. 

Brown, John Carter, son of Hon. 
Nicholas, has complete set of minutes 
of Warren Association, 82. 

Brown. Joseph, second of the " Four 
Brothers," 162; present at early meet- 
ings of Corporation, 67; at meeting 
to determine final location of tlie Col- 
lege, 110; honorary degree conferred 
on, 128; and the transit of Venus, 
165, 166; on committee for building 
meeting-house, 227; architect, 163, 
230; present at meeting of Corpora- 
tion in 1780,288; chairman of commit- 
tee to draft petition to Congress for 
damages to College edifice, 290, 292; 
appointed on committee to make cat- 
alogue of books, 298; chosen Profes- 
sor of Experimental Philosophy, 330; 
engages- to give lectures without 
charge, 331, 332; has shock of apo- 
plexy, 347; indisposition of, heavy 
stroke to church and College, 350; 



400 



INDEX. 



death and fur.eral, 164, 371 ; biograpli- 
ical sketch, 162-166. 

Bkown, Mary, oldest daughter of Jo- 
seph, married to Dr. Gauo. 164, 366; 
fuueral sermon of, preached by Dr. 
Maxcy, 164. 

BnoAV>'. Eliza, daugliter of Joseph, mar- 
ried to IMchard Ward, 164. 

Bkown, Obadiali, son of Joseph. 164; ad- 
mitted to degree of A.B. in 1782, 289. 

Brown, John, the third of the " Four 
Brothers," 163; leader in llhode isl- 
and in war of the Revolution, 167; 
connection with the destruction of the 
" schooner Gaspee," 170-173; and 
Moses purchase the home-lot of their 
ancestor Chad for th.e College, 115, 
116; lays the corner-stone of the Col- 
lege building, now "University 
Hall," 117; elected Treasurer of the 
Corporation, 242; " the committee- 
man " for carrying on the building of 
the Baptist meeting-house, 168, 227, 
228; farm at Chepachet or Gloucester, 
266, 286; present at meeliiig of Cor- 
poration in 1780, 288 ; liberal oiler to 
Corporation, 298, 314; presents four- 
teen hundred volumes to College Li- 
brary, 338; subscriber lor set of Gor- 
don's History, 4-4; on town commit- 
tee to draft petition to Congress, 425; 
Planning dines with on day previous 
to fatal attack of apoplexy, 450; on 
committee of condolence to wait on 
Mrs. Manning, 451; secures (in 1800) 
passage of an act in Congress " for 
the Belief of the Cori^oration of 
llhode Island College," 388; bio- 
graphical sketch, 160-173. 

Brown, James, son of John, 170. 

Brown, Abby, daughter of John, mar- 
ried to John Francis, 170. 

Brown, Alice, daugliter of John, mar- 
ried to James Brown Mason, 170. 

Brown, Sarah, daughter of John, mar- 
ried to Charles F. ilerresholf, 170. 

Brown, Moses, youngest of the " Four 
Brothers," 173; papers of, cited, 115; 
member of school committee, 419; 
portrait of, in llhode Island Hall, 396; 
biographical sketch, 173-176. 



Brown, Anua, v.-iio (.f Ijicccr, and 
daughter of Obadiah Brown, 173, 175. 

Brown, Sarah, daughter of Moses, 
married to William Almy, 175- 

Brown, Obadiah, uncle and father-in- 
law of Moses, 173. 

Brown AND BENSON,lose four thousand 
dollars by a seizure at Surinam, 398. 

Brown, Daniel, represents Warren 
Church at first meeting of the Asso- 
ciation, 75. 

Brown, Ilev. John, of England, wor- 
thy of College honors, 190. 

Brown, Dr. J. N., article on the Bap- 
tists in Kew American CyclopjEdia, 
cited, 239. 

Brown, Jeremiah, of Ct., 266, 286. 

Brown, William, present at meeting 
to determine final location of the 
College, 110. 

Brunswick, iS". J., injured by the Brit- 
ish, 272. 

Bryant, William Cullcn, " The Ages," 
cited, 463. 

BiiVSON, James, honorary degree con- 
ferred on, 89. 

BucKLiN, Joseph, actor in affair of 
Gaspee, 172. 

Building Committkk of College and 
of church, 115. 227. 

Bull, Capt., of Hartford, 207, 286._ 

Bull's Iron-Works, 268. 

Bullock, Samuel and Daniel, repre- 
sented Second Ilchoboth Church at 
first meeting of Warren Association, 
75. 

Bunker Hill, battle of, infiueuce on 
College Commencement, 242. 

BuNYAN, "good Mr.," Planning sug- 
gests liis works as an acceptable pres- 
ent to the Library, 210; works pre- 
sented by Wallin, of London, 212, 221. 

BuRDKN, Lizzie, married to Mr. Owen, 
269. 

BuROES, Tristam, pupil of William 
Williams, 105; address before the 
Federal Adclphi, cited, 305; on elo- 
(jucnce of Maxcy, 401 ; portrait of, in 
IMiode Island lLall,396. 

Burke, Edmuntl, eulogizes John How- 
ard, 120. 



INDEX. 



491 



BuiiKK's Ekcyclop^edia of Her- 
aldry, cited, 143. 

BuRGOYNE AND GATES, 141; surren- 
der of Gen. Burgoyue's army, 142. 

BuRLiNGAME, Thomas, Jr., 154. 

BuRNSiDE, Major-General, fuU-leagth 
portrait of, in llhode Island Hall, 
painted by E. Leutze, 397. 

BtJRRiLL, James, Attorney General of 
E. 1,413; graduate in class of 1788, 
413; sketch of, 413, 414. 

Butler Hospital Asylum, Kicbolas 
Brown a benefactor of, 395. 

Button, William, 94. 

Cadets, company at Commencement, 
233. 

C^SAR, " wrote bis own commenta- 
ries," 311. 

Cahoon, Daniel, meeting of Baptist 
society held at bis bouse, 226; mem- 
ber of advisory committee, 227; pres- 
ent at meeting of Corporation in 1780, 
288. 

Cahoon-s family at Woodstock, Man- 
ning visits, 206. 

Callekder, Ellis and Elisba, pastors 
of lirst Baptist Church, Boston, 135. 

Callender, John, reierred to in Tref- 
ace, 5; Historical Discourt-e, cited, 
73, 149. 

Cambridge, Mass., Baptists in op- 
pressed and imprisoned, 331, 349. 

Canvas, the BroAvn family not paii;tcd 
on, 176; Tresident Maxcy not painted 
on, 408. 

Carpenter, Benjamin, 154. 

Carpenter, William, represents church 
in Norton at first meeting of Warren 
Association, 75. 

Carpenter's Hall, Philadelphia, 237. 

Carter, John, printer, 164. 

Caryl's Exposition upon Job, pre- 
sented to College Library by Gordon, 
387; Lamb's playful remark upon, 
387. 

Cash, inconceivable scarcity of, 364, 
386. 

Castell's Lexicon, presented to Li- 
brary by Bristol Education Society, 
370. 



Catherine of Eragar.zn, Queen of 
Charles II. , portrait in Ilhode Island 
Hall, 396. 

Catholicism, instances of, 437. 

Catholicity of the Baptists well- 
nigh cost them loss of charter, 47. 

Chace, John B., 451. 

Chamrehs' Cyclopedia, presented 
to Library by Bristol Education Soci- 
ety, 370. 

Champion, Judah, of Litchfield, Plan- 
ning preaches for, 268. 

Chancellor, Stephen Hopkins the 
first, 64; Jabez Bowenthe second, 67. 

Channing, William, of Newport, bob- 
bins studies law with, 329. • 

Channing, William Ellery, portrait 
in Khode Island Hall, 3L)7. 

Chapel stage, speaking on at even- 
ing prayers, 305. 

Chaplains, Baptists, in the American 
Army: John Gano, 35; Dr. Itogers, 
92; Charles Thompson, 103; David 
Jones, 271; William Van Horn, 273; 
Dr. Smith, 136. 

Characters, dili culty in describing, 
158. 

Charity, exercise cf, 192; should be- 
gin but not end at home, 340. 

Charles II., portrait of in Rhode 
Island Hall, 396. 

CuAULKSTON, attacked by the British, 
271, 273. 

Charleston Baptist Association, 
founded, 31; plan for raising funds 
for lUiode Island College, 57, 58. 

Charlestown Neck, skirmish at, 139. 

Chase, Mr., neighbor of Manning, 323, 
325, 326. 

Chaukcy, Rev. Dr., 200, 204, 215; 
book in favor of ur.iversal salvation 
makes many proselytes, 385; Dr. 
Sfilcs sends first draft of the College 
Charter to, with remarks, 481. 

Child, Sylvester, present at early 
meetings of Corporation, 67; at 
meeting to determine final location 
of College, 110. 

Child, Cromel, 100. 

Child, Martha, wife of General Var- 
uum, 100. 



492 



INDEX. 



China and East Indies, John Brown 
first llliode Island merchant to carry 
trade to, 1G6. 

CnuiSTiAN FORTITUDE, casicr to talk 
about than to exercise, 408. 

Christian life, described by Wal- 
lin, 210. 

Christian :ministry, not to be en- 
tered upon while a stranger to exper- 
imental religion, 427. 

Christian Review, cited, 5. 

Christian religion, Gen. Varnum's 
views of, 101; importance and efTccls 
of, 423. 

Christian World Unmasked, re- 
viewed by Manning, 253. 

Christian union, love the only thing 
essential to, 402. 

Chronicle, cited, 233. 

Church of England, relations of to 
the American Colonies, 39, 255. 

Cincinnati, Order of at General Var- 
num's funeral, 100. 

Circumcision, discussed by Manning, 
253-258. 

Civil and religious liberty. Col- 
lege instrumental in promoting, 309, 
314, 318; doctrines of better under- 
stood than before the Revolution, 339. 

Civil gover>'ment, notliing to do 
with Christ's kingdom, 72, 73. 

Civil community, kind of joint ten- 
ancy, 418. 

Civil and religious character of (he 
age, illustrated by Clark and Callen- 
der, Rackus and Manning, G. 

Claridge on singing in public wor- 
ship, 179. 

Clark, William, honorary degree 
conferred on by the College, 89. 

Clarke, Capt., of Danbury, 283. 

Clarke, Mr., a my. tic, 324. 

Clarke, Dr. John, founder of New- 
port Colony, 151 ; leferred to in I'rel- 
ace, 5. 

Claude's Essay, proposals concern- 
ing circulated, 32G. 

Clay, Joseph, pastor of First Baptist 
church in Boston, 135. 

Cllroy of Connecticut. See Con- 
necticut. 



Clinton, Gov., of New York, visits 
Providence with Washington, 433. 

Clougu, Moses, baptized, 122. 

Cochrane, Surgeon General, Planning 
meets at We.^^t Point, 282. 

CoDDiNGTON, William, lirst Governor 
of Rliode Island, 152; portrait in 
Rhode Island Hall, 396. 

CoLBURN, Josiah, represents First Bap- 
tist Church, Boston, at lirst meeting 
of Warren Association, 75. 

Cole, Benjamin, represents the War- 
ren church at first meeting of Asso- 
ciation, 75. 

Cole, Robert, 14G. 

Coleman, printer, of London, 148. 

Coles, Esquire, of Warren, 68. 

Coles, Benjamin, pastor of Baptist 
church at Hopewell, 271; divided 
about, 278. 

Collection of portraits in Rhode 
IsJand Hall, 30G. 

College a "Baptist College," 43; owes 
its origin to the Philadelphia Associ- 
ation, 43, 56, 4G1; main design to se- 
cure for the Baptist churches an edu- 
cated ministry, 42, 47, 4G1; elTorts to 
raise funds for by the Baptist Asso- 
ciations, 58, 291, 314, 320; begun at 
Warren, 67; interests to be secured 
by formation of Warren A.'-socialion, 
72; removal to I'rovidence, 111, 118; 
illustration of early discipline, 128; 
opposition of Congregationalists, 160, 
188, 190, 199, 319 ; Commencement din- 
ners lirst provided, 169; dispute be- 
tween Baptists and Congregational- 
ists an argument against, 183; honors 
of, 189; liberal and catholic, 193, 262; 
amount of funds in 1772, 195; regard- 
ed by God with favor, 197; printed 
history of reconuncnded for circula- 
tion, 206, 208, 212, 215, 217, 220, 222, 
'-32, 250; Manning's detail of tacts 
and instances of ill-will towards, 215; 
I?aptist meeting-house built to accom- 
modate, 227,229; students 'line young 
men," 234 ; revival of religion in, 
246; interrupted during the war, 243, 
289,313; efforts to revive College in- 
sfruclion, 28S; petition to Congress 



INDEX 



493 



for damages, 292, 348, 370, 3S8; uur.blc 
to go on without funds, 297; digest 
of laws in 1783, 304; text-books, 3:)5; 
Manning seeks in England a benefac- 
tor who will give it a name, 308. 3C9; 
funds preserved amidst wreck of pub- 
lic credit, 294,316; promotes Baptist 
principles and civil and religious lib- 
erty, 193, 309, 314, 318; £200 sterling 
ordered to be expended for philosoph- 
ical apparatus, 338; receives donation 
from Bristol Education Society, 3G9; 
promises better than at any lovmer 
period, 335, 337; embarrassed for 
want of funds, 374, 397; continues to 
increase, annual expenses of a stu- 
dent, 406, 411 ; Washington and suite 
visit, 483; " alfairs do not prosper,-' 
448; Dr. Jones named as Manning's 
successor, 274, 454; Maxcy appointed, 
401 ; Mcsser elected to the I'refidencj', 
409; receives from Nicholas Brown in 
1792 the gift of five hundred dollars. 
394; in 1804, the gift of live thousand 
dollars, 394; name changed to Brown 
University, 396. See Brown Univer- 
sity and Manning. 

College Charter, Jenckes's history 
of, 52; different denominations repre- 
sented in, 46; privileges secured by 
remarkably ample, 47; one of the best 
college charters in New England, 
48; alterations made in Dr. Stiles's 
draft by committee from Bhiladel- 
phia, 51; analysis of proceedings in 
reference to, in 1763, 54; extracts 
from, illustrating its liberal character, 
59; referred to, 63, 72, 215; first Char- 
ter opposed by Congregationalists, 
191; Dr. Stiles's original draft found 
among the files and papers of his 
church, 53; original document pre- 
sented to the Library by Dr. Sprague, 
9; first and second Charters published 
in Appendix, 405; clause exempting 
professors from taxation changed in 
1863, by the General Assembly, 479. 

College Commencement, annual 
meeting of Warren Association ap- 
pointed to be Tuesday after to accom- 
modate, 79; "Commencement Ser- 

42 



mon," 80; displaced by the "Presi- 
dent's Levee," 90; Commencement 
dinners of John Brown, 169; first 
provided by the College in 1792,169; 
account of first Commencement in 
17G9, 87; 1770, 127; 1771, 193; 1774, 
233; 1775, 240; 1776, 242; 1783, 295, 
£93; 17S6, 394; 1787, 400; 1788, 412; 
1789,425; 1790,435. 
College Corporation, first meeting 
in Sept. 1761, 63 ; character of the 
twenty -four members present, 64; 
second meeting, 71 ; meeting at !N^ew- 
port respecting location of College, 
108; final meeting at Warren, 109, 
111; names of the thirty-five members 
present, 110; cautious delicacy with 
which Manning's relations to the 
Warren church are interfered with, 
113; special meeting to defeat project 
for another college, 114; meeting in 
1777, and no further meeting until 
1780, 258; meeting in 1780, 287; 1782, 
289; 1783,293,298; petition to the King 
of France for patronage, 301 ; recom- 
mend sending to England for dona- 
tion?, 296, 338; petition to Congress for 
damages, 350, 352, 370 ; subscribe £700 
lawful money for library and appara- 
tus, 308 ; advise Manning to go to Con- 
gress, and appoint Tcrez Fobcs Vice 
President, 379; notified by Manning 
to look out for a successor, 449 ; action 
in reference to Manning's death, 451; 
vote of in 1794 concerning a Latin or 
Grammar school, 336; erect a build- 
in 1810 for its accommodation, 198, 337. 

College edifice, erected on the 
home-lot of Chad Brown, 115, 146, 
150; plans of Nassau Hall, Princeton, 
adopted by the building committee, 
116; dimensions, 121, 128; occupied 
by troops during the war, 243, 289, 
314, 339; left in a most ruinous con- 
dition, 314, 329 ; Corporation advance 
one thousand dollars for repairs, 314; 
third story finished, 349; two thou- 
sand dollars obtained from Congress 
to repair damages, 388; house for the 
President built in 1770, 296. 

College of New Jersey, 26, 27, 38, 



494 



INDEX 



197, 275; laws and customs of in 

1758, 28-30. 

COLLEHE OP PHILADELrniA, 26, 93. 

Colleges in America, in 1762, 38; and 
superior places of learning controlled 
by the '• Standing Order,'' 321. 

Collins, Mr., 276. 

CoLO^■IES, determine to unite in de- 
fence of their rights, 236. 

Columbia College, Xcw York, 38. 

Comer's maisb^script diary, 73. 

CoMMUJNiojf, division of Baptist church 
respecting, 154, 178, 180. 

CoNDY, Jeremiah, present at lirst meet- 
ing of Corporation, 64; graduate of 
Harvard, 66; references to, 51, 71, 
135. 

COIS'B'EDERATrON, 378, 402. 

Co^-GREGATIOXA LISTS of Ncw Eng- 
land, and the Baptists, 38, 47-55, 183, | 
188, 190, 204, 215, aSl, 340; represented 
at first meeting of the Corporation, 
64. See pEDOBArnsTS and Standing 
Order. 

Congress, i^asses an " Act for the Relief 
of the Corporation of Rhode Island 
College," 388. 

Congress of the Confederation, 
82, 98, 236, 265, 275, 391, 392. 

Connecticut, 209, 214; invasion of by 
the British, 277; makes contributions 
for relief of Rhode Inland, 260; cler- 
gy vote in town meetings, and direct 
in choice of candidates, 285. 

Connecticut Evangelical Maga- 
zine, 267. 

Connecticut Farms, 34, 272, 281. 

Connecticut Missionary Society, 
267. 

CoNOLLY, Mr., of riiiladelphia, 276. 

Constitution, 107, 298, 391, 403, 404. 
See Federal. 

Constitutional liberty, Rhode Isl- 
and firm in cause of, 208. 

Consul of France, present at Com- 
mencement, 298. 

Continental Fast, in 1779, 267. 

Continental Ferry, N. Y., 269, 283. 

Controversialist, Manning a skil- 
ful, 253. 

Convention at rhiladeli)hia, 400, 402. 



Cook, Gov., 67, 110, 288. 

CooMER, John, 70. 

CoRLis, Capt., 266, 288. 

Correspondence. See Letters. 

Covenant, Abrahamic, 256, 320, 321; 
of the Baptist Church at Warren, 69. 

Covey, Mr., 267. 

Co"\vper's Poems, stanza cited, 458. 

Cram, Dea. W., and wife, baptized, 
122. 

Cranberry, visited with a revival, 336. 

Crocker, Rev. Dr., fifty-five years a 
Fellow, portrait in Rhode Island Hall, 
396. 

Curtis, Mr., son-in-law to Robert Rob- 
inson, 444. 

CusHiNG, Thomas, delegate to Con- 
gress from Massachusetts, 237. 

Customs of the College of Kew Jer- 
sey in 1758, 28. 

Cutting, Rev. Dr., article on Brown 
University, cited, 46. 

D ANBURY, ruins of, 283. 
Dark Day of 1780, 200. 
Dartmouth College, 184, 255, 319, 

406. 
Daughters op Liberty, 64. 
Da VIES, Rev. Dr., President of the Col- 
lege of New Jersey, 27; Oliver Hart 
on death of, 32 ; referred to by Man- 
ning, 380. 
Da VIES, Benj , of Wales, 218. 
Davis, John, educated at the Hopewell 
Academy, 42; present at early meet- 
ings of Corporation, 67; chairman of 
committee on grievances, 80; honor- 
ary degree conferred on, 89; agent 
for the Baptist churches, 131. 
Davis, Samuel, 274, 278. 
Daw^son, a Sabbatarian Baptist, 249. 
Day, Robert, of England, worthy of 

College honors, 190. 
Dayton, Dr., executor of Richard 

Stitcs, 292. 
Dearth of material for Manning's life, 

7. 
Deed of College lot, 115, 116. 
Deerpield, Baptist church constitu- 
ted in, 122, 123. 
Demosthenes, 27. 



I N D i: X 



495 



Dennis, John, graduate iu c'ass ol"1770, i 
128. 

Dennis, Capt., of Brunswick, 272. 

Dexter, Gregory, minister of Baptist 
church in rrovitlcuce, 146, 148. 

Dexter, John, 154. 

Dexter, Jeremiah, French troops en- 
camped on lands of. 292. 

DiAURHCEA, Manning grievously afflict- 
ed v.-ith, 231. 

DiARV or Journal, Manning's, on jour- 
ney to Philadelphia, 260. 

Diligence, Manning feels his obliga- 
tions to,in his holy calling, 366. 

Diplomas, form of revised and en- 
graved, 220. 

Discipline of the College under Man- 
ning, 128. 307. 

Discipline of the rod, 219, 

Dissenters, in England, not allowed 
bells or L^teeples, 230; objections to the 
order of bishops, 361. 

Distress upon the Baptists, 330, 331. 
8ee Baptists. 

Disney's Memoirs of llollis, cited, 122. 

DiTTON's Fluxions, 217. 

Division iu Baptist church, Provi- 
dence, 154. 

DoBSON, publisher,of Philadelphia, 427, 
430. 

Doddridge's Lectures, text-book in 
College, 305. 

DoGGETT, Simeon, " Commencement 
oration on death of President Man- 
ning," 455, 457. 

Dorrance, John, graduate in class of 
1774; member of school committee, 
419. 

Drake's History and Antiquities 
OF Boston, cited, 134. 

Drowne, Solomon, graduate in class 
of 1773, appointed on committee to 
make out catalogue of books, 298; 
presents to Corporation device for a 
seal, 300; on committee to draft letter 
to Benjamin Franklin, 301; goes out 
to Europe with letters of introduction 
from Manning, 343, 346, 359; referen- 
ces to, 365, 382, 385, 408, 451, 441 ; brief 
biographical sketch, 346, 347; portrait 
in Rhode Island Hall, 396. 



Drowne, Thomas S., acknowledgment 
in Preface, 9. 

DUDDINGSTON, Licut., 171. 

Dudley, Deputy Governor, 144. 
DuNHAJi, Col., of Morristown, 281. 
Dunn, Benj.. actor iu affair of the Gas- 
pee, 172. 
Drujimer. Kathaniel, probable heir to 

an estate in England, 382. 
DuNLAP's History of the Arts op 

Design, cited, 459. 
DuNSCOMBE, Eev. Mr., of England, 217, 

380. 
Durham, Connecticut, 285. 
DURPHEE, Capt., 111. 
Dutchess County, N. T., land and 

crops, 268. 
Dwight, Widow, daughter of David 

Howell, 401. 
Dwight, Capt. G. L., ackno\vledgment 

in Preface, 9. 

East Greenwich, subscription in, for 
the College, 108. 

East Indies and China, John Brown 
first merchant in Rhode Island to car- 
ry trade to, 166. 

Easton, Nicholas, present at first meet- 
ing of Corporation, 64. 

Easton, Jonathan, physician, present 
at early meetings of Corporation, 67. 

Eaton, Joseph, of Montgomery, 25. 

Eaton, Isaac, founder of the Hopewell 
Academy, 25, 41, 62; gives charge at 
Manning's ordination, 35; executor 
of Mrs. Hubs's will,56; name omitted 
in first draft of charter, 51; sermon 
at ordination of Dr. Rogers, 92; hon- 
orary degree conferred on, 128; brief 
biographical sketch, 25, 26. 

Eaton, Joseph, member of first gradu- 
ating class, 88. 

Ecclesiastical oppressions, passed 
away, 192. 

Eddy, Samuel, graduate in cla?s of 
1787, Fellow and Secretary of Corpo- 
ration, 401; sketch of, 400. 

Eddy, Zecluiriah, testimony in favor of 
Backus, 131. 

Edgar, Major, 272. 

Edict of Nantes, 34. 



496 



I X I) E X 



Edmo^-ds, Mr., calls on Manning, 281. 

Education, Manning's efforts to aid 
pious students in securing, 315; his 
efforts in behalf of popular, 417^19; 
of youth necessary for preservation 
of freedom, 434; address of tlie War- 
ren Association concerning, 320. 

Education Society of Bri.^tol, Eng- 
land. See BiiisTOL. 

Edwakds, Morgan," principal mover " 
in founding and endowing Illiode 
Island College, 43, 44; name omitted 
by Dr. Stiles in his first draft of the 
Charter, 51; present at the early 
meetings of the Corporation, 67; se- 
cures funds for the College in Eng- 
land and Ireland, 88, 90, 195; original 
subscription book in the Library, 90, 
461; honorary degree conferred on, 
89; messenger to Warren Association 
from rhiladelphia, 77, 80; -writes to 
Manning in regard to his leaving 
Warren, 118; preaches lirst "Com- 
mencement sermon," 89; appointed 
by riiiladelpliia Association to re- 
ceive funds for the College in Penn- 
sylvania, 67; writes to Manning on 
the ojjposition of the Presbyterians or 
Congregationalists, 190; books sent 
to, from Eyland, 202; respectful no- 
tice taken of by the Philadelphia As- 
sociation, 200; present at conference 
of P.aptists witli delegates to Congress, 
237; visits with Planning at Philadel- 
phia and Pennepek, 279, 280; Ilippon 
incjuircs of Manning concerning, 324; 
inclined to vindicate Winchester, 327 ; 
" Materials towards a History of tlie 
Paptists," cited, 42, 46, 52, 107, 108, 
117, 144,155; death and funeral ser- 
mon, 44, 95; life and character, 43- 
45. See Letters. 

Edwards, " Billy,"' son of Morgan, 12S. 

Edwards, Joshua, son of Morgan, 90. 

Edwards, James, receives honorary 
degree at first Commencement, 89. 

Edwards, Jonathan, President of 
Union College, 402. 

Elect Lady, 312, 344. 

Electricity, Joseph Brown's proli- 
cieucy in, 102. 



Elements of lenrr.ing. Manning well 
instructed in, 25. 

Ellery, William, of Newport, 47, 54, 
275, 276. 

Elliot, of Fairfield, 284. 

KLiz.^BEPinKJWX, ]S\ J., place of Man- 
riing's birth, 24, 25, 271; damaged by 
the British, 271. 

Eloqcence of Manning, 405, 457,459; 
of JL'.xcy, 401. 

Eltox, Pomeo, Liteiary Remains of 
3Iaxcy, cited, 7, 403. 

Emblex, John, pastor of First Baptist 
Church, Boston, 135. 

EMERSo^•■s Fluxio>-s, 217. 

i::xiiGRATio>' to Kentucky, 411. 

Employment, man made for, 426. 

Encyclopedia Bkitakxica, work 
of the greatest utility, 350. 

Endowments for the College, efforts 
to secure, 309. 

England, resistance to unjust claims 
of, 236; appoints to otEce members 
of the Episcopal Church, 39. 

Enmity to the College, 199, 215, 399_ 
See College. 

Episcopalians and Episcopal Church, 
I 33, 39, 64, 13, 245, 249, 255, 361. 

Epitaph on Chad Brown, 144; Nicho- 
I las l!rown,161; Joseph Brown, 163; 
I John Brown, 168. 
; Eutaw, S. C, Pelot settled at, 44. 

Evans, Abel, honorary degree con- 
ferred on, 128. 

Evans. Benjamin, popular minister in 
Cardigansiiire, 443. 

Evans, Caleb, President of Bristol 
Academy, England, 337; honorary 
degree conferred on, 89, 429; efforts 
to procure books for the College from 
Bristol Academy, 341; preaches in 
oppo.^ition to Dr. I'riestley, 415; brief 
sketcli of, 337. See Letters. 

Evans, Hugh, honorary degree con- 
ferred on, 128; tutor of Dr. Kippon, 
325; books and apparatus solicited 
for the College, 338. 

Evans, Life and Writings of William 
Pichanls, cited, 93, 310, 445. 

EwiNO, Dr., 351. 

Eyres. Eider Nicholas, 50. 



INDEX 



497 



Eyres, Thomas, graduate of Yale, 50; 
conuectiou with the College Charter, 
50, 55; first Secretary of the Corpora- 
tion, 64, 66; present at meeting to de- 
termine location of the College, 110; 
at meeting of Corporation in 1780,288. 

Fairfield, Ct., burnt by the British, 
277 ; ruins of, 284. 

Fastikg AM) PRAYER, Baptist church- 
es appoint day of in consequence of 
oppressions of Standing Order, 186. 

Farmijjgton, Ct., 267. 

Farms, Connecticut, home of Man- 
ning's fiither-in-law, 34, 272, 280. 

FALKNER,Capt., Manning and Edwards 
visit, 279. 

Fame, influence of on human mind, 319. 

Fathers op the Church bequeathed 
to (he College by Dr. Gill, 370. 

Feathers, academical, 188,214,217. 

Federal Adelphi, 305. 

Federal Constitution, Mass Con- 
vention upon, 403; adopted in Khode 
Island by two votes, 433; John Brown 
champion of, 167. 

Federal Government, impending 
dissolution of, 390, 392. 

Federalists, 403. 

Fenner, Edward, 154. 

Fenneu, James, valedictorian of class 
of 1789, 425. 

Fenner, Samuel, College lot purchased 
of, 115. 

Fenning's Arithmetic, text-book in 
College, 305. 

Ferguson, James, Rylaud-s intimate 
friend, 217 ; Easy Introduction to Sir 
Isaac Newton's Philosophy, 203; As- 
tronomy, text-book in College, 305. 

Financial embarrassments of the 
country in 1779, 275. 

FiNLEY, Samuel, President of the Col- 
lege of New Jersey, 27; reference to, 
275. 

Fish, Samuel and Daniel, 154. 
FiSHKiLL, N. Y., land good and roads 

fine, 269. 
Five-principle Baptists, 149. 
Flattery, " drivelling flattery and 
nauseous palaver," 201. 

42* 



Flint, Abel, tutor in College, 397, 428, 
432, 437; ordination of, 438. 

FOBES, Perez, Vice President of the 
College, 379; Professor and Fellow, 
380; sermon on death of Manning, 452. 
Folsom, Kancy, baptized, 123. 
Fought, Mr., 281. 

Four BROTnEUS,biographical sketches, 
153-176. 

Fourth of July in Philadelphia, 1779, 
276. 

Forsyth's Memoir of Dr. Proudfit, ci- 
ted, 402. 

Forts, Arnold, Putnam, and Pitt, 
282, 307. 

FosKETT, Eev. Dr., instructor of Mor- 
gan Edwards, 43. 

Foster, Benj., appointed chairman of 
committee to prepare Baptist cate- 
chism and spelling-book, 291 ; appoint- 
ed to solicit benefactions for the Col- 
lege in New England, 299. 

Foster, Dwight, graduate in class of 
1774, 234. 

Foster, Henry, of England, worthy of 
College honors, 189. 

Foster, John, taught private school in 
Providence, 417. 

Foster, Theodore, graduate in class of 
1770, 127; member of school commit- 
tee. 419; on town committee to draft 
petition to Congress, 425. 

Foster, Kev. Mr., 412, 448. 

Foster, Mr., steward of College, 292. 

Fothergill, Dr , of London, Water- 
house a pupil of, 299. 

Founder of Brown University, 
neglect to record his honors, 5 

Fox, Jo.seph, Quaker, of Philadelphia, 
237. 

Fox's New England Fire Brand 
Quenched, cited, 147. 

France, a monarchial despotism, 359. 

Francis, Mr., expression in prayer, 
111. 

Francis, John, married Abby, daugh- 
ter of John Brown, 170. 

Francis, John BroAvn, son of John, 
170, 172. 

Frank-Pledge, the policy of Israel 
under the theocracy, 360. 



498 



INDEX. 



Franklin, Benjamin, subscriber to tbe 
early funds of the College, 91 ; com- 
mittee appointed to draft letter to,301. 

Freedom of conscience, motto on 
bell of First Baptist Church, 230. 

Freeholders, mediocrity of landed 
possessions in the hands of beueticial 
to a community ,359; the real strength 
ofa nation, 362. 

Freemason. See Masonic euater- 

NITY. 

Free public schools, Manning 
draws up report in favor of, 418; es- 
tablished in Frovidence in 1300, 419. 

French Ambassador at West Point,282. 

French Language and History, 
Professorship of desired by the Cor- 
poration, 302. 

French oration at Commencement, 
1788, 412. 

French Devolution, 429. 

Freshman Class, first, consisted of 
but three students, 86. 

Freeman, Philip, of Boston, 80, 210; 
represents Sec. Baptist Church at first 
meeting of Warren Association, 75. 

Friends, Mcscs Brown a prominent 
membei; of, 173; Cov. Hopkins, pre- 
ferred principles of, 869; discipline 
of inconsistent with Masonry, 175. 

Friends' Boarding School, 174. 

Friendship, blunt, better than " driv- 
elling flattery," 201. 

Frink, Esquire, 266. 

Fulton, Benj., of England, worthy of 
College honors, 190. 

Fulton, James, graduate in class of 
1775, 240. 

Funds of the College, preserved amidst 
the wreck of public credit, 316; pro- 
duce an income of £60 sterling, 339; 
for education of pious Baptist youth, 
381; smallncss of, 444. 

Funeral of Manning, 451, 454; order 
of procession, 452. 

Furman, llev. Dr., on John (Jano, 35. 

Galloway, Joseph, delegate to Con- 
gress, 237. 

Gammell. Kev. William, pupil of Wil- 
liam Williams, 105. 



GAMMELL,Prof. William, Life of Roger 
Williams, cited, 147; Life of Gov. 
Ward, cited, 66, 237 ; Life and Educa- 
tional Labors of Nicholas Brown, ci- 
ted, 144, 395. 

Gang, John, brother-in-law of Man- 
ning, 34; preaches Manning's ordina- 
tion sermon, 34; present at the early 
meetings of the Corporation, 67; 
name omitted by Dr. Stiles in first 
draft of the Charter, 51; preaches the 
sermon at the organization of the 
Baptist church in Warren, 70; first 
Moderator of the Warren Association, 
75; Moderator in 1774, 230; baptizes 
Hezekiah Smith, 135; appointed by 
Philadelphia Association to receive 
donations for the College, and to ad- 
dress kindred associations on the sub- 
ject, 57, 58; travels in Virginia and 
North Carolina, 182; present at the 
conference of Baptist witli delegates 
to Congress, 237 ; sufferer by the war, 
244; family at Warwick during 'he 
war, 269, 270, 280, 281 ; referred to by 
Eippon, 323; blessed with a revival 
at New York, 328, 855, 364; leaves 
New I'ork for Kentucky, 406; house 
caught on fire, 448; biographical 
sketch, 34-36. 

Gang, Sarah, wife of John, 35, 334, 
365. 

Gang, Daniel, eldest son of Jolui, grad- 
ate in class of 1776, 242. 

Gang, Stephen, third son of John, pas- 
tor of the First Baptist Church, I'rovi- 
dence,35,364 ; married to Mary Brown, 
164; referred to by Manning, 432; an 
honored and useful member of the 
Masonic fraternity, 366; administra- 
tor of Mrs. Mannings estate, 7; bio- 
graphical sketch, 364-366. 

Gardner, Col., of Newport, 46. 

Gardner, William, of Philadelphia, 94. 

Garth, Brigadier-General, 277. 

Garrets and storehouses, no places 
for valuable papers, 8. 

Caspars, an artist contemporary with 
Charles II., 396. 

Gaspee, British schooner, account of 
destruction of, 170. 



INDEX 



499 



Gaspee Point, 171. 

Gates, Gen., a good commander, 141. 

Germany, a monarchial despotism, 
359. 

Gekneaux, Francis, ancestor of John 
Gaiio, 31. 

George III., intimate with Dr. Sten- 
nctt, 120. 

Georgia, subscriptions for the College 
in, 121, 126. 

Gervinus's Introduction to History 
of Nineteenth Century, cited, 147. 

Gibbon's, Dr., eulogy on Dr. Llewelyn, 
194; an intimate acquaintance of Pres- 
ident Davies, 386. 

GiBBs's, Designs of Buildings and Or- 
naments, cited, 229. 

GiFEORD, Andrew, sub-librarian of the 
British Museum, 370; subscriber to 
early funds of the College, 91; death 
referred to, 362. 

Gilbert, Capt., 181. 

Gill, Dr. John, pastor of Baptist 
church in London fifty-one years, 
372; list of his published writings, 
372; recommends Morgan Edwards 
to this country, 43; subscriber to the 
early funds of the College, 91; re- 
ferred to in correspondence, 202, 203, 
211, 231 ; bequeaths his works and fif- 
ty-two volumes of the Fathers to 
College Library, 199, 200; works re- 
ferred to, 3G4, 374, 416. 

Gill, John, son of Dr., and executor 
of estate, 200; correspondence v>ith 
Manning, relative to publications of 
his father, 371-376. 

Goddard, William Giles, Memoir of 
Manning, with sketches of his pupils, 
cited, 0, 86, 113, 117, 118, 119, 242, 300, 
329, 342, 401, 410, 413, 451, 463. 

GoEORTii, Major, 274, 278, 279. 

Good character, importance of, 426. 

Goodrich liev. Dr., of Durham, 438. 

Gordon, William, author of ilii-tory of 
the American War, 387; introduced 
to Manning by Dr. Steunett, 123, 
181; busy upon his History, 393; 
abused in Boston newspapeis, 388; 
prays daily that people of United 
States may be holy, free, and happy. 



423; presents Caryl's Exposition upon 
Job, and set of his History to College 
Library, 337, 424; brief sketch of, 387. 
See Letters. 

Gorton's Simplicity's Defence, cited, 
146. 

Gospel, an estimable jewel, 409. 

Gould, Thomas, pastor of First Bap- 
tist Church, Boston, 135. 

Gould and Lincoln, acknowledg- 
ment to, 9. 

Government, great desideratum of, 
362. 

Grafton, Joseph, ordained and set- 
tled at Newtown, 409; Trustee of 
Baptist Education Fund, 310. 

Grammar, Warren Association ap- 
point committee to prepare an Eng- 
lish, 291. 

Grammar School. See Latin School. 

Grasshoppers, 268, 270. 

Graves, John, Rector of St. John's 
Church, Providence, disloyal, 255. 

Great Meadows, Ct., 285. 

Great Britain, conduct to East In- 
dians, Africans, and Americans re- 
ferred to, 424. 

Gregson, Moses, of P^ngland, worthy 
of College honors, 190. 

Greek oration at Commencement in 
1788, 412. 

Green, John Morley, admitted to de- 
gree of A. B., in 1782,289. 

Green, Nathaniel, of Charlton, death 
of, 458. 

Green, Thomas, of Cambridge, people 
imprisoned for minister's rates, 349; 
Trustee of Baptist Education Fund, 
316. 

Greene, Elisha, 154. 

Greene, Caleb, subscriber for set of 
Gordon's History, 424. 

Greene, Col. Christopher, 97; portrait 
in Rhode Island Hall, 397. 

Greene, Gen. Nathaniel, second only 
to Washington, 97; dinner in honor 
of at John Brown's, 169; Manning 
dines with at West Point, 282. 

Greene, Thomas, present at meeting 
of Corporation to determine location 
of College, 110. 



500 



INDEX 



GEEETfFiELD, Ct., husbandry good, 28i. 

Grievakces, plan to collect, 80; appli- 
cation to England for redress from, 
184. 

Griffith, Abel, represents riiiladel- 
phia Baptist Association, at Warren, 
in 1767, 75. 

Griswold, Bishop, takes the Knight 
Templar's degree in Trovidence En- 
campment, 366. 

Grosvenor, Cyrus P., pastor of First 
Baptist Church, Boston, 135. 

Guernsey, Island of, 34. 

Guild, Joseph, represents Attleboro 
Church at tirst meeting of Warren 
Association, 75. 

Guild and the Manning papers, 7. 

Guthrie, Mr., 390. 

Guthrie's Geography, text-book in 
College, 305. 

Hague, William, pastor of the First 
Baptist Clmrch, Boston, 135; Histori- 
cal Discourse, cited, 144, 180. 

Haile, Amos, of Warren, 70. 

Hall, Eev. Robert, of Amsby, Leisces- 
tershire, death referred to, 439. 

Hall, Rev. Dr. Robert, on death of 
Ryland, 23; on death of Reynolds, 
450. 

Hall, Silas, acknowledgment in Pref- 
ace, 9; copies minutes of Warren As- 
sociation from Backus papers, 82. 

Halsey, J., tutor in College of Kew 
Jersey, 27. 

Halsey, Thos. Loyd, on committee of 
Corporation to erect brick house for 
Grammar School, 67. 

Hammond, Jona., on committee to visit 
Jioston, and procure plans for meet- 
ing-house, 227. 

Hammond, Noah, delegate from Phila- 
delphia Association, at first meeting 
of Warren, 75. 

Hammond's Algebra, text-book in 
College, 305. 

Hancock, Governor, member of Dr. 
Stillman's congregation, 134; invites 
Manning to close the Massachusetts 
Convention with prayer, 404. 

Hancock, Mrs. Dolly, 100. 



Hansbrook, Col., 269. 

Harding, celebrated American artist, 
305. 

Harris, Andrew, father-in-law of El- 
der James Brown, 152. 

Harris, Mary, daughter of Andrew, 
and wife of Elder James Brown, 152. 

Harris, Thos. Jr., 152. 

Harris, William, on.> of the five who 
came to Providence with Roger Wil- 
liams, 140, 152. 

Harris, W. J., portrait of Moses 
Brown, 175. 

Hart, Oliver, pastor of the Baptist 
church, Charleston, main founder of 
Charleston Baptist Association, 31; 
writes to Manning on death of Pres- 
ident Davies 32; invites Manning to 
become his assistant, 37; baptizes 
Stillman, 133; appointed to address 
Baptist associations throughout 
America, in behalf of Rhode Island 
College, 53; references to, 45, 89, 126, 
333, 336. See Letters. 

Hart, John, son of Oliver, Manning 
disciplines with the rod, 219. 

Hart, John, Esq., executor of Mrs. 
iiubs's will, 56 ; Manning visits, 272, 
273,278. 

Hart, Joseph, of the Executive Coun- 
cil, 275. 

Hartford and vicinity, roads and 
crops, 267. 

Harvard College, founded in 1638, 
38; Hollis donations to, 40, 319; funds 
increased by lotteries, 196; references 
to, 02, 232, 299. 

Hathhorn, Col., 281. 

Haverhill, Mass., place of Hezekiah 
Smith's settlement and labors, 136, 
133. 

Hazard, Ebenezer, classmate of Man- 
ning, 33. 

Hazard, Geo., of Newport, present at 
early meetings of Corj -oration, 67, 110. 

Hazard, Joseph, a.^sociate justice, 99. 

Headache, Woodman sulTers from, 
206; Manning, 207. 

Heade'8 portrait of Moses Brown, 176. 

IIe.\rse, used for first time in Provi- 
dence at Manning's funeral, 451. 



INDEX. 



501 



Hebrew oration at CommeDcement in 
1788, 412. 

IlEBKEWS, in College, 60. 

Helme, James, present at final meeting 
to determine location of the College, 
110. 

Henry, Patrick, eloquence moulded 
by sermons of Samuel Davies, 27. 

Herenden, married to Daniel Brown, 
150. 

Herreshofe, Charles F., son-in-law of 
John Brown, 170. 

Hessians in Rhode Island, 98. 

Hextall, "William, worthy of College 
honors, 190. 

HiLDRETH's United States, cited, 271, 
275. 

HiSTORr, Dr. Priestley's lectures on, 
414. 

History of the College. See Col- 
lege. 

Hinds, Ebenezer, assists in the organi- 
zation of the Baptist church, at War- 
ren, G8; represents Second Middle- 
borough Church at first meeting of 
Warren Association, 75. 

Hitchcock, Enos, preaches sermon at 
ordination of Mr. Flint, 438; conducts 
services at Manning's funeral, 451; 
member of school committee, 419. 

Hix, Samuel, of "Warren, 70. 

Hogarth's Analysis of Beauty, cited, 
4G0. 

Hogland, Col., of Bordentown, 277. 

Holiday, earliest State, in Rhode Isl- 
and, 87. 

HoLLiMAN, Ezekiel, baptized by Roger 
"Williams, 147. 

HoLLis, Thomas, the distinguished ben- 
efactor of Harvard University, 40; 
subscribes to the early funds of the 
College, 91; corresponds with Eph- 
raim "Wheaton of Swanzey and the 
Philadelphia Baptist Association with 
reference to his scholarships at Har- 
vard, 41 ; account of the Hollis fam- 
ily, 121 ; continued their benefactions 
to Harvard for a century, 121. 

HoLLis, Timothy, subscriber to the 
early funds of the College, 91. 

Holmes, Widow Molly, 271, 272. 



Holmes, Obadiali, first martyr to Bap- 
tist principles in New England, 151; 
daughter married to John Brown, 151. 

Holmes's Life of President Stiles, ci- 
ted, 50, 260. 

HoLROYD, William, appointed by Gen- 
eral Assembly manager of lottery for 
church, 228. 

HoLROYD, John, married daughter of 
Stephen Gano, 366. 

Honors of the College and honorary 
degrees, 196, 202, 209. See Academi- 
cal and Feathers. 

HoNEYMAN, James, present at first meet- 
ing of Corporation, 64; public char- 
acter and social position, 65. 

Hope, ship belonging to Providence, 
343, 361, 363. 

Hope College, erected in 1822 at ex- 
pense of Nicholas Brown, 395; named 
after his sister, Mrs. Hope Ives, 62, 
157, 395. 

HoPEAVELL, N. J., birthplace of John 
Gano, 35; revival of religion in, 245. 

Hopewell Academy, founded by 
Isaac Eaton in 1756, 41 ; interest man- 
ifested in by Philadelphia and 
Charleston Associations, 41; gradu- 
ates, 42. 

Hopkins, Esek, brother of Stephen, 
appointed on Committee with Joseph 
Brown, 163; nominates Manning as a 
delegate to Congress, 378 ; first com- 
modore in the American navy, portrait 
in Rhode Island Hall, 396; daughter 
Susan married to President Ma.xcy. 

Hopkins, Gov. Stephen, first Chancel- 
lor of the College, 64; present at 
meetings of the Corporation, 63, 110, 
288, 298, 301; delegate to Congress, 
237; degree of LL.D. conferred on by 
the College, 332; Manning's particu- 
lar friend, and " one of the greatest 
men our country has reared," 330; 
character, habits, and personal influ- 
ence, 65, 338. 

Hopkins, John B., actor in afiuir of 
the Gaspec, 172. 

Hopkins, Samuel, lottery in aid of his 
church at Newport, 197; "penetrat- 
ing sagacity of," 402. 



502 



N I) E X 



Hovky's Life and Times of Uackus, ci- 
ted, 81, 130, 235, 238, 239. 

How'AKD, Johu, the philanthropist, 
member of Dr. Stennetfs congrega- 
tion, 120. 

Howard, Miss A., of Scarboro, Eng- 
land, Manning writes letter of sjm- 
pathy to, 250. 

Ho-\\-ELL, David, educated at Hopewell 
Academy, 42; graduate of the Col- 
lege of New Jersey, 84; first tutor in 
the College 85; receives honorary de- 
gree, 89; associate justice of the Su- 
preme Court, 99; delegate to Con- 
gress, 329, 384; Secretary of the Cor- 
poration, 435; resigns his professor- 
ship in the College, 2G2; papers and 
correspondence 8, 9; references to, 
160, 227, 241, 288, 291, 298, 325, 370, 
419, 453, 454, 459 ; sketch of his char- 
acter and life, 85, 86. See Letters. 

Howell, Jeremiah Brown, son of Da- 
vid, graduate in class of 1789, 425; 
references to, 298, 347. 

Howell, Sarah, daughter of David, 
married to Dwight and afterwards to 
Eddy, 401. 

HowLA^u, John, sketch of Manning's 
character and life, 6; cited, 118, 119, 
259,404; account of Baptist church, 
226; letter to Prof. Kuowles respect- 
ing Chad Brown, 150; draws up peli- 
tion to General Assembly for free 
schools, 419. 

HuBBEL, Lieut., 281, 282. 

HucBEL, Esquire, of Stratford, 284. 

HuDER, Robert, 280. 

Hudson's Life and Character of Je- 
mima Wilkinson, cited, 312. 

Huguenots, ancestors of the Gano 
family, 34. 

Hunt, A?a, travels seven hundred 
miles in Virginia, 405. 

lIuNTEi:, "William, on character of 
Manning, 24; Manning's corpulency, 
400. 

Hunter, Mr., of London, 189. 

Hunting, Mr., 285. 

Hutchinson, Aaron, prepares Dr.IIog- 
ers for college, 92. 

Hutchinson, Mrs , 144. 



Hutchinson's Moral PniLOSOPHYj 
text-book in College, 305. 

Illiterate Baptist ministers in Ken- 
tucky, 3G7. 

Imposition of iiajs'ds after baptism, 
70, 02, 153, 178. 

Impoverished state of the country, 
326. 

Independence, American, 265, 324. 

Independents and Welsh Baptists, 
442. 

India Point, Providence, 170. 

Indian slaves, enlisted as soldiers, 
264. 

Indians, false reports in England con- 
cerning, 444. 

Industry, importance of forming 
habits of, 426. 

Infant-baptism, 253, 428. See Bap- 
tism, 

Ingalls, Rev. Mr., of Grafton, 332. 

Inheritances of landed posessions 
should be subject to limitations, 360. 

Initial Deed of Roger Williams, 145. 

Instability natural to young minds, 
416. 

Intolerance and PERSECUTioN,Prof. 
Knowles on, 192. 

Intoxicating drinks, Morgan Ed- 
wards addicted to use of, 44. 

Israel, polity of commonwealth of, 
360. 

IvES, Thomas Poynton, brother-in-law 
of Hon. Jsicholas Brown, 157; on 
committee of Coiporation in 1810 to 
erect brick building for accommo- 
dation of the Grammar School, 67; 
portrait in Rhode Island Hall, 396. 

Ives, Mrs. Hope, granddaughter of 
Daniel Jenckes, and only surviving 
sister of Hon. Nicholas Brown, Hope » 
College named in honor of, 52, 157, 
395. 

Jackson, Henry, married daughter of 
Stephen Gano, 366. 

James, Samuel, honorary degree con- 
ferred on, 128. 

Jefferson, Ihomas, letter to dele- 
gates of II. I. respecting petition from 



INDEX 



503 



the Corporation of the College to 
King of France, 303; visits Provi- 
dence ^vitll Washington, 433. 

Jenckes, Ebeuezer, pastor of the Bap- 
tist church, rrovideuce, 153, 154. 

Jenckes, Jonathan, 154. 

Jexckes, Gov. Joseph, brother-in-law 
of Elder James Brown, 152; letter on 
"lajing on of hands," cited, 153. 

Jenckes, Daniel, opposes the granting 
of the first Charter drafted by Dr. 
Stiles, 48; history of the Charter, 52- 
54; marries a descendant of Richard 
Scott, 147 ; present at first meeting of 
the Corporation, 64; at meeting, 
which determined the location of the 
College, 110 ; moderator of the church 
meeting at which Manning was called 
to the pastorate at Providence, 179; 
brief sketch of his character, 51, 52. 

Jenckes, Ithoda, fifth daughter of 
Daniel, married to Nicholas Brown, 
52, 157. 

Jenckes, Joseph, admitted to the de- 
gree of A. B. in 1782, 289. 

Jenckes, John, chairman of advisory 
committee of Baptist society, 227; 
appointed by General Assembly one 
of the managers of lottery to aid in 
building a meeting-house, 228; pres- 
ent at meeting of Corporation in 
1780, 288 ; married to Widow Bowers, 
393; subscriber for set of Gordon's 
History of the War, 424; sickness and 
death, 437, 448. 

Jennings, James, of England, worthy 
of College honors, 190. 

Jenkins, Mrs. Anna Almy, grand- 
daughter of Moses Brown, 175; burn- 
ing of her mansion, 176. 

Jenkins, Moses Brown, 176. 

Jenks, Rev. Dr., letter on Stillman, 
cited, 134. 

Jews, children of, admitted into the 
College, 61. 

Jones, Samuel, educated at Hopewell 
Academy, 42; appointed by Phila- 
delphia Association, with Morgan 
Edwards, committee to establish Bap- 
tist college, 43; name omitted by 
Dr. Stiles in first draft of Charter, 51 ; 



on committee to remodel Stiles's 
draft of Charter, 50, 54; writes letter 
to Warren Association at its first meet- 
ing in 1767, 75; delegate to in 17G9, 
80; receives honorary degree from 
College, 69; present r>t conference of 
Baptists with delegates to Congress, 
237; Manning visits at Peunepek, 274, 
277, 278, 279, 280; references to, 20,431, 
443; name suggested as Manning's 
successor in the presidency, 453, 454; 
biographical sketch, 274. See Let- 
ters. 

Jones, Robert Strettle, accompanies 
Samuel Jones on his mission to New- 
port to remodel the Charter, 54; ref- 
erences to, 51, 89, 275. 

Jones, David, educated at the Hope- 
well Academy, 42 ; first Baptist mis- 
sionary to the Indians, 205; chap- 
lain in the army, 271, 272. 

Jones, Alexander, admitted to the de- 
gree of A. B. in 1782, 289. 

Jones, William, editor of Dr. Sten- 
nett's works, 120. 

Jones, John, 286. 

Jones, Mr., of Killingly, 266. 

Jones, Sammy, 336. 

Jones, Horatio Gatez, acknowledg- 
ments to in Preface, 9. 

Johnson, Dr., of Connecticut, associ- 
ate with Manning in Congress, 379. 

Johnson, Dr. Samuel, 187, 201. 

Johnson, J. B., objections to Maxcy 
as candidate for presidency of Union 
College, 402. 

JouKNAL, Manning's, 266-286. 

JuDSON, Dr., missionary to Burraah, 
portrait in Rhode Island Hall, 396. 

liAiMES's Elements of Crititism, text- 
book in College, 305. 

Kane, Henry, Wallin's executor, 307, 
373. 

Keach, on Singing in Public Worship, 
179. 

Keith, George, son-in-law of Dr. Gill, 
and his executor, 72, 200, 214, 371. 

Keith, Robert, educated at the Hope- 
well Academy, 42. 

Kelly, Rev. Mr., of Pomfret, 261. 



i04 



INDEX. 



Kekt County, College to be located 
in, 108, 110. 

Kentish Cjuakds, nursery of distin- 
guished ofiicersof the Revolutioi;, 97. 

Kennedy's Chronology, text-book 
in College, 305. 

Kentucky, 35, 354, 356, 367, 411, 

Ker, Rev. J., tutor in College of ]S^ew 
Jersey, 27. 

KiLLiNGLY to Chepachet, roads bad, 
266. 

Kimball, Hephzibah, of Boxford, 
Mass., married tollezekiah Smith. 136. 

Kenzie, James, delegate to Congress, 
237. 

King, James, 154. 

King of France, address to from Cor- 
poration, 301. 

Kino Phillip's War, 144. 

KiNGSLEY-s Life of Dr. Stiles, cited, 
38, 47-49. 

Kirbright, Mr., ruins of his buildings, 
277. 

Knight's London Illustrated,cited,229. 

Knight's History of Six-principle 
Baptists, cited, 78. 

Knowledge, useful, surest means of 
securing rights, prosperity, and liber- 
ty, 418. 

Knowles's Memoir of Roger Williams, 
cited, 150, 192. 

Knox, General, an admirer of Dr. Still- 
man, 133; Manning meets at West 
Point, 282. 

Lamb, Charles, playful remark on 
Caryl's Job, 387. 

Lambert, Nathaniel, graduate in class 
of 1787, 400. 

Land, settlements on uncultivated, 
359; large tracts of, engrossed in few 
hands, cause of weakness, 359. 

Landed possessions in hands of free- 
liolders, 359; the real strength of a 
nation, 362. 

Latin School, begun by Manning, in 
1764, at Warren, 72; removed to 
Providence in 1770, 67, 128; removed 
to the College building in 1772, 198; 
references to by Manning in his cor- 
respoudence, 216, 317, 338, 339; iu 



charge of William Wilkinson, 336; 
removed from the College building 
to the brick schoolhouse in 1786, 
336; vote of tlie Corporation con- 
cerning, in 1794, 337; brick building 
erected for by the Corporation, in 
1810, 198, 337; now called the "Uni- 
versity Grammar School,'' 67, 337. 

Latin School established at Provi- 
dence in 1766, by Benjamin Stelle, 36. 

Latin schools. Manning urges Baptist 
ministers to open as nurteries of the 
College, 261. 

Latting, Mrs. Joanna, of Hillsdale, N". 
Y., fourth wife of Stephen Gano,366. 

Law, Andrew, graduate in class of 
1775, 240, 242. 

Law books purchased for Library at 
expense of Nicholas Brown, 394. 

Laws and customs of College of New- 
Jersey in 1758, 28; of Rhode Island 
College in 1783, 304. 

Lawrence, Deacon, 281. 

Lawrens, Prof., Manning dines with, 
277. 

Laying on op hands, controversy con- 
cerning, 149. See Imposition op 

HANDS. 

Leauni:d, Asa, associated with Wm. 
Wilkinson, 336. 

Ledoyt, Elder, of Woodstock, 286. 

Lee's family at Woodstock, 266. 

Legislature of Rhode Island. See 
Rhode Island. 

Leland, Thomas, tutor to Augustus M. 
Toplady, 203. 

Lemon, Richard, 279. 

Leonidas, signature to an article in 
Philadelphia paper, 275. 

Letters from James Manning to 
John Berridge, 253; Abraham Booth, 
223, 343, 385, 427 ; committee of Se- 
nior Class, 240; Corporation of the 
College, 296; Editors of Massachu- 
sctta Ma(/(i::ine, 100; Caleb Evans, 
33S, 3J5, 383; William Gordon, 387; 
John Gill, 373, 375; Miss A. Howard, 
251; David Howell, 84, 291, 298, 347, 
351, 370; Henry Kane, 307; Thomas 
Lapham, Jr., 128; Thomas Llewelyn, 
194. 318; Thomas Mackauess,362: Na- 



INDEX 



505 



than Miller, 291, 292; John Eippon, 
326,316,364, 380; John Ryland, 187, 
193, 199, 213, 220, 232, 243, 308, 345; 
Granville Sharp, 361; Samuel Sten- 
nett, 121, 181, 204, 311; Hezekiah 
Smith, 111, 186, 209, 335, 389, 398, 406, 
409, 416, 432, 436,448; Tliomas Ustick, 
234, 261, 331, 349, 408; Benjamin \Tal- 
lin, 210, 221, 231, 245, 293 ; Isaac Wood- 
man, 207; letter concerning Dr. Stiles, 
239. 

Letters to James Maistning from 
Abraham Booth, 343, 430, 438; com- 
mittee of Senior Class, 240 ; Mor- 
gan Edwards, 118, 191, 413 ; Caleb 
Evans, 340, 396, 414, 429; John Gill, 
372, 374, 376; William Gordon, 392, 
421; Oliver Uart, 32, 37, 126, 219; Wil- 
liam Richards, 441; John Rippon, 323, 
407,440; John Ryland, 188, 201, 208, 
216; Granville Sharp, 359; Samuel 
Stennett, 123, 310; Benjamin Wallin, 
211, 247; Isaac Woodman, 205. 

Letters, miscellaneous, Isaac Back- 
us to John Gill, 71 ; Isaac Backus to 
John Rippon, 455; Nicholas Brown 
to Hezekiah Smith, 159, 383, 397; 
Hon. Nicholas Brown to Corporation, 
394; English gentlemen on Washing- 
ton and Rogers, 94; Oliver Hart to 
Hezekiah Smith, 44; David IloAvell 
to Chancellor Hopkins, 261; David 
Howell to Samuel Jones, 454; John 
Howland to Prof. Knowles, 150; 
Thomas Jefferson to Rhode Island 
delegates, 303 ; Asa Messer to William 
Richards, 440; E. A. Tark to William 
B. Sprague, 410; Francis Pelot to 
Hezekiah Smith, 44; Alexander 
Proudlit to J. B. Johnson, 402; Phil- 
adelphia to Warren Association, 76; 
Asher Bobbins to W. G. Goddard, 
301, 378 ; Wm. Rogers to Wm. Button, 
Wm. Rogers to Hezekiah Smith, 95; 
Ezra Stiles to Chancellor Hopkins, 
49; Hezekiah Smith to his wife, 139- 
142; Samuel Stillman to Hezekiah 
Smith, 453; Samuel Thurber to W. 
E. Staples, 417; James M. Varnum to 
his wife, 100 ; Warren Association 
letters, 83, 185, 236, 320. 

43 



Leutze, E., artist, 397. 

Lewis the Little and Washington the 

Great, 436. 
Lexingto]!?, battle of, 173, 242, 247, 

386. 
Liberty, College on the side of civU, 

240. 
Liberties of a country perpetuated by 
diffusion of knowledge, 418. 

Library, condition of, in 1772, 194; im- 
portance of with reference to the Col- 
lege, 194, 319; receives bequest from 
Dr. Gill, 199, 200, 205, 210; receives 
donation from Wallin of Bunyan's, 
Booth's, and Wilson's Works, 221; 
Corporation subscribe £700 lawful 
money for, 308; fourteen hundred vol- 
umes ordered, the gift of J(>hn Brown, 
338; Saurin's Works presented by 
Thomas Mullett, 341; Works of John 
and Granville Sharp presented, 358; 
consists of two thousand volumes in 
1785,363; receives valuable donation 
from Bristol Education Society, 369, 
370; William Richards, of Lynn, Eng- 
land, bequeaths to it his private libra- 
ry of thirteen hundred volumes, 447; 
receives donation of law books from 
Hon. Nicholas Brown, 394; consisted 
in 1783 of five hundred volumes, "very 
ancient and very useless, very ragged 
and unsightly": in 1864 consists of 
thirty-live thousand vohimes of stand- 
ard works in substantial and costly 
bindings, 314. 

Lighthouse, Boston, skirmish at, 139. 

LiLLICKIDGE, Mr., 68. 

Lincoln, General, attacks the British 
before Charleston, 273. 

Lincoln. See Gould and Lincoln. 

LiNDSEY, Captain of the packet Han- 
nah, 171. 

LiNDSEY, B., Manning calls upon, 266. 

LiPPiTT, Moses, on committee of Cor- 
poration to build brick house for the 
Grammar School, 67. 

Litchfield, Ct., land and crops, 207. 

Literature an handmaid to religion, 
207. 

LiTTLEii-iELD, Major, Manning drives, 
with at West Point, 282. 



50G 



INDEX. 



LiviNGSTOJ^, Governor, British attempt 

to take, 271. 
Llewelyn, Thomas, a distinguished 
Cambro-British scholar, subscriber to 
early funds of the Col!c,:;e, 91; refer- 
ences to, 124, 125, 182, 194, 317, 370. 
See Letters. 
Llewelyn College, name suggested 
by Manning for Khode Island College, 
319. 
Locke on the Understanding, text- 
book in College, 305. 
LoNGiNUS on the Sublime, text-book 

in College, 305. 
Longfellow, Henry W., 401. 
LoRiNG, James, Reminiscences of Dr. 

Stillman, cited, 134. 
LossiNG'S Pictorial History of the 
American Revolution, cited, 170, 274, 
278. 
Lottery, suggested to aid the College, 
197; Harvard, Yale, Trinceton, Dr. 
Hopkins'vS Church, Kewport, etc., 
aided by lotteries, 197; list of lotteries 
granted by General Assembly, 1752-79, 
197; to aid in building Baptist meet- 
ing-house, 228; Ryland's opinion of 
lotteries, 203 ; Manning's opinion, 
214. 
Love's Surveying,text-bookin College, 

305. 
Lowndes's Bibliographer's Manual, ci- 
ted, 446. 
LowTU's Vernacular Grammar, text- 
book in College, 305. 

LUDDINGTON, Col., 283. 

Ludlow, Teter, mariied daughter of 
Stephen Gano, 330. 

Ludlow, Mrs., and the Manning Pa 
I'ERS, 7. 

Lyndon, Josias, 47; connection with 
College Charter, 54; pre^xMit at first 
meeting of Corporation, Gi; at meet- 
ing to determine location of College, 
110; Governor of Rhode Lsland, Gt3. 

Lyon, Ebenezer, bajjlizes Winchester, 
332. 

Lyon, Merrick and ICniory, Principals 
of the" University Grammar School," 
07. 

Lyon's Farms, 272, 280. 



McClellan, Wm., admitted to the de- 
gree of A. B. in 1782, 289. 

Macclure, David, 438. 

McDuGAL, General, 282. 

Maclaurin's Fluxions, 217. 

Main Street, Providence, paved by 
John Brown, 1G8. 

Mackaness, Thomas, of London, part- 
ner with Mr. Thornton, 244, 247, 251, 
253, 293, 352; Manning writes to, 353- 

McKiM, John, 335. 

McKiMS, from Baltimore, 279. 

Mann, Horace, marries youngest 
daughter of President Messer, 410. 

Manilius's Aftronomicon, 304. 

Manning, James, birth and parentage, 
24; enters the Hopewell Academy, 
25; conversion and baptism, 26; ad- 
mitted into the College of New Jersey 
at Princeton, 27; student life, 31; 
death of Piesideut Davies, 32; gradu- 
ates Avith salutatory honors, 32; mar- 
riage, 33; father-in-law, 34; ordina- 
tion, 34 ; travels through the Colonies, 
3G; receives call from Baptist church 
in Charleston, S.C.,37; Rhode Inland 
College projected by Philadelphia 
Baptist Associaiion, 43; ^Manning es- 
pecially intrusted with the enterprise, 
45; arrival at Newport in July, 1763, 
45; his own narrative of the history 
of the College from this point, 46-51; 
present at flrst meeting of Corpora- 
tion, C4; removes to Warren and 
begins a Latin School, 67; organizes 
a Baptist church and becomes the 
pastor, 68-70; appointed President of 
the Coiiege, 71; founder of the War- 
ren Association, 72-84; gives the 
charge at Hczekiah Smith's ordina- 
tion, 75, 13G; writes the ciicular let- 
ter of Warren Association in 17C9, 83; 
promiieuce and usefulness as a mem- 
ber of the Warren and Phi'adolphia 
Associations, 82-83; sunders his con- 
nection with the church at Warien, 
and removes with the College to Prov- 
idence, in 1770, 117, 118; new and en- 
larged sphere of action, 120; gives 
right liand of fellowship at Dr. Shcp- 
ard's ordination in Stratham, 123; 



INDEX 



507 



settlement as pastor of the Baptist 
church, Providence, 178-180; feelings 
iu view of the responsibility of his po- 
sition as pastor and President, 181; 
placed by divine Providence at head 
of the College, 181; not for ease and 
W'orldlj' advantage, 182; preaches 
with happy zeal and earnestness, 183; 
address to graduating class of 1771, 
193; skill in urging claims of the Col- 
lege upon men of wealth, 194; sug- 
gests to Ryland a lottery to aid the 
College, 197; retains charge of the 
Latin School, and furnishes students 
with text-books, 198; salary in 1772, 
199; journey through the western 
piovinces, 200; suggests a visit to 
England to collect funds for College, 
200; distressed with headache, 207; 
, makes a ijreaching tour in Connecti- 
cut during vacation, 209; his genial 
companionship and rare social quali- 
ties, 209; designs to write and publish 
a narrative of the College, 215, 220; 
uses the " discipline of the rod," 219; 
spends a fall vacation, iu 1773, riding 
350 miles, preaching twenty-five times 
and baptizing, 221, 223; influences his 
clmrch and congregation to build a 
new mceliug-house, 230; chairman of 
committee to draft charter for Bap- 
tist society, 227; delayed in writing 
history of the College by "grievous 
diarrhoea," 231, 232; special elTort in 
1774 in behalf of religious liberty, 235- 
239; duties and occupation during the 
interruption of College by the war, 
243; great revival in his church at 
bicaking out of the war, 246; tact and 
delicacy in efibrts to alleviate the dis- 
tressed, 250; skill as a controversial- 
ist, 253; instance of humane disposi- 
sition, 259; discharges with skill an 
important and civil function, 259, 260 ; 
anecdote respecting " dark day," 200; 
thoughts of the College uppermost in 
in his mind, urges Baptist ministers 
to open Latin schools as nurseries of, 
261; sets out with ISlrs. Manning on 
journey to Philadelphia in 1779, 265 ; 
diary during absence of five months, 



266-286; illustration of his high social 
position, 283; endeavors to revive 
College instruction in 1780, 288; sala- 
ry ^300, 288 ; on committee of Warren 
Association to prepare spelling-book 
and Baptist catechism, 291; retains 
the idea of travelling to solicit funds 
for the College, 292, 299; presents me- 
morial to the Corporation on the sub- 
ject, 295-297 ; dignity and grace as a 
presiding officer at Commencements, 
300; prepares new digest of the Col- 
lege laws, 304; ideas respecting col- 
lege government and discipline, 307; 
sketches plan for an education socie- 
ty to aid pious students, 315, 316; 
keeps an assortment of books import- 
ed yearly for supply of College and 
friends, 317; prompted to plan voy- 
age to Europe,326; Moderator of War- 
ren Association in 1784, 330; appoint- 
ed by Philadelphia Association to in- 
vestigate and report on Winchester, 
335; prepares and sends catalogue of 
books in College Library to Caleb 
Evans, 338; "oppressed with cares," 
" trying experiences," 342 ; salary 
eighty pounds per annum, 342; re- 
ceives in 1785 the honorary degree of 
Doctor in Divinity from the Univer- 
sity of Pennsylvania, 350; regards it 
as "an empty sound," 350; baptizes 
three, and preaches to large and at- 
tentive audiences, 353; confined to 
constant teaching at the College, 353; 
conceives plan for educating Baptist 
ministers iu Kentucky, 354; details, 
356, 307; believes in "acts of public 
utility," 357; zeal in behalf of minis- 
terial education, 358; assists at ordi- 
nation of his nephew, Stephen Gano, 
365; carries an application to Con- 
gress for rents and damages of Col- 
lege building, 366; preaches funeral 
sermon of Joseph Brown, 163, 371; 
unanimously appointed, in 1786, to 
represent Khode Island in the Con- 
gress of the Confederation, 378; com- 
plimented by Dr. Jackson, of Con- 
necticut, for his readiness and skill as 
a writer, 379 ; controversy in Congress 



508 



INDEX 



Avith a delegate from Georgia, 379; 
reasons for accepting appointment to 
Congress, 381, 384, 388 ; interests of 
tlie College uppermost in his mind, 
380; desires fund to educate pious 
Baptist youth, 381; considers politics 
fs out of his province, 381, 384; de- 
clines pastoral care of the church as 
incompatible with College engage- 
ments, 381, 383; unconsciously de- 
scribes his own character as a pastor 
and preacher, 381; endeavors to per- 
suade Hezekiah Smith to succeed him 
in the pastorate, 389; trying situation 
in Congress without a colleague and 
without funds, 390, 391, 392; treated 
with respect by members of Congress, 
comprehends fully the great questions 
of the hour, 391, 406; sick, iu 1787, 
without provisions, wood, or money, 
398; has serious thoughts of retiring 
to farm in the Jerseys, and " digging" 
for a support, 399; anxious for the 
ratification of the Constitution, 404- 
403 ; attends npon the debates and 
proceedings of the 3Iassachusetts Con- 
vcntion, called upon by Gov. Hancock 
to " close the solemn convocation 
with thanksgiving and prayer,"' ex- 
traordinary impression produced by 
his devotion and eloquence, 404-40G; 
adoption of the Constitution in Khode 
Island largely due to his Avise coun- 
sels and superior influence, 407; assists 
Gano, liis brotlier-in-law, off for Ken- 
tucky, 411; demand for his services 
in College greater than ever, 411; ef- 
forts in behalf of poi^ular education, 
chairman of school committee, draws 
up report in favor of free public 
schoois, etc., 41G-419; drafts petition 
to Congress in behalf of citizens of 
I'rovidence, 4-4; address to graduat- 
ing class of 1789, 425-427; custom at 
every Commencement to charge pu- 
pils not to enter the ministry until 
converted, 427; has thoughts of pre- 
paring an Essay on the Kingdom of 
Christ, 428; revival in his cimrcli, 
house crowded with anxious inquir- 
ers, 434; presides lor the last time at 



Commencement, 436; resigns his pas- 
toral ofiice and preaches farewell ser- 
mon, 449; notifies the Corporation to 
look out for a successor, 449, 450; sin- 
gular presentiment of his approaching 
mortality : sickness, death, and fune- 
ral, 450-455 ; personal appearance, 
habits, character, and influence, 456, 
457, 459, 4G0; original portrait, 459; 
corpulency, 460; devotion to the Col- 
lege the animating motive of his con- 
duct, and the improvement of the 
Baptist denomination the object of 
his life, 462, 463 ; no extended me- 
moir of him ever published, 5 ; ac- 
count of the Manning Tapers. 7. See 
College, Baptist.s, and Letters. 

Manning, Elizabeth, wife of James, 
34, 68, 209, 265, 351; baptized by her 
husband, 34, 246; " boast of her sex," 
260. 

Manning, Isaac, father of James, 24, 
280, 281. 

Manning, Catherine, mother of James, 
24, 280, 292. 

Manning, Enoch, brother of James,448. 

Manning, Jeremiah, brother of James, 
271, 272, 280. 

Manning, Joseph, brother of James, 
''ruling elder "in the Scotch Tlains 
church, 271, 272, 280. 

Manning, John, brother of James, 280. 

Manning, John, cousin of James, 280, 
448. 

Manning, Benjamin, 272, 278. 

Manning, Capt. William, 272. 

Manning Hall, erected by Hon, Nich- 
olas Brown and presented to the Uni- 
versity, 395; named iu honor of his 
" distinguished instructor and revered 
friend, I'rcsident Planning," 395. 

iMansion of Joim lirowi!, one of tiie 
finest private retideiices in ^ew Eng- 
land, 169; College mansion, built in 
1770, 296. 

Marsh, Josejjh, of riiiiadeiphia, 95. 

Marsh, Susannah, second wife of Dr. 
Itogers, 95. 

Marlow on singing iu public worship, 
179. 

Martin, Jacob, 272. 



DEX 



509 



Martin, Mr., Biiptit.f niinieler of Lon- 
don, bitter enemy of the Americans, 
393. 

Martin on the Globes, text-book in 
College, also Trigonometry and Thil- 
osophia Britannica, 305. 

Martin, ship in Avhich Chad Brown 
came over, 143. 

Mason, Deacon, of Boston, 353. 

Mason, llussell, present at early meet- 
ings of Corporation, G7; at meeting 
which determined location of College 
110; on committee to wait on Man- 
ning, 112; Manning advises with in 
reference to pastorate of church at 
I'rovidence, 179. 

Mason, Job, 179. 

JMason, James Brown, son-in-law of 
John Brown, 170. 

Mason, Jonathan, Jr., 424. 

Masonic fraternity. Dr. llogers 
member of, 93; Gen. Varuum, 97, 
100; Joseph, John, and Moses Brown 
members, 175; Dr. Gano and Bishop 
Griswold,3G6. 

Massachusetts, shamefully deficient 
in number of Continental troops, 141; 
and Vv'arwick, Ehode Island, 140; 
Convention for adoption of Federal 
Constitution, account of, 403, 404. 

Massachusetts Missionary Maga- 
zine, cited, 40, 100, 440. 

Maavney, John, actor in afi'air of the 
Gaspee, 172. 

Maxson, John, present at first meeting 
of Corporation, 64; at meeting to de- 
termine final location of College, 110; 
on committee to wait on Manning, 
112. 

Maxcy, Jonathan, pupil of William 
Williams, 105; graduate in class of 
1787,401; youngest tutor in College, 
baptized by Manning, 428; licensed to 
preach, preaches to admiration, 432; 
supplies pulpit six months, improves 
amazingly, 437 ; elected pastor of Bap- 
tist church in 1791, 448; elected Pres- 
ident p}-o tempore in 1792, and Presi- 
dent in 1797, 401; references to, 1645 
293, 307, 316,452; biographical sketch, 
401-403. 

43* 



Maxcy, Viigi!, son of Jonathan, 403. 

Meacham, Joseph, 81. 

Meeting Street schoolhouse, 119, 198. 

Mechanics, Joseph Brown's favorite 
study, 162. • 

Medfield, Warren Association meets 
at, 236. 

Medical schools. Harvard one of the 
earliest in America, 300. 

Merchant, Mr., 277. 

Mesnard, Thomas, 326, 440. 

Messer, Asa, enters Sophomore Class 
in College, 409; graduates in class of 
1790, 436; corresponds with Dr. Kich- 
ards respecting the College, 446; ref- 
erences to, 296, 436, 448; biographical 
sketch, 409-411. See Letters. 

Midland Association, England, 203. 

MiFLiN, Thomas, delegate to Congress, 
237. 

MiLFORD, Ct., Manning attends elec- 
tion meeting in, 284. 

Miles, John, pastor of First Baptist 
(. hurch, Boston, 135. 

Miles, Samuel, of Philadelphia, 435. 

Miller, Andrew, bookseller in Eng- 
land, 217. 

Miller, Benjamin, Manning's early 
pastor, 20; friendship for Isaac Stelle, 
33; 3Iodcrator of Philadelphia Asso- 
ciation, 77; present at second meeting 
of Warren Association, 78; Manning 
visits, 272, 280, 281; death, 295; brief 
sketch of, 26, 27. 

Miller, Daniel, represents Cumber- 
land Church at first meeting of War- 
ren Association, 75. 

Miller, Col. Nathan, of Warren, Man- 
ning's colleague in Congress, 391, 392 ; 
daughter married to William Wil- 
liams, 104. See Letters. 

Miller, Patience, daughter of Nathan, 
104. 

Minister of Christ not to meddle 
with politics, 245; to succeed Manning 
in the pastorate, description of, 381, 
382. 

Minutes of Philadelphia and Warren 
Associations, cited, 56, 74, 81, 290, 320. 
See Warren and Philadelphia. 

Mitchell, Edward, 154. 



510 



INDEX. 



Moderation, spirit of luoro prevalent, 

362. 
Money, scarcity of, 339, 384, 388. 
Monopolizers, forcstallers, etc., 275. 
Montague, Admiral, 171. 
Montague, Ilichard, 81. 
Montague, Tommy, " flaming young 

preacher," 412. 
Moore's scheme for College, 125, 184. 
Moore, Dr., of Bordentown, 277. 
Morals of the country improving, 362. 
Morehouse, Col., 268. 
Morgan, Abel, and Mr. Hollis, 40; 

receives honorary degree of the Col- 
lege, 89. 
Morgan, Dr. John, brother-in-law of 

Dr. Stillman,133. 
Morgan, Capt., 271. 
Morrice, Itobcrt, original owner of 

part of College lot, 116. 
Morris, Mr., of Thiladelphia, 279. 
Morris, Col., Manning dines with at 

(jlrceue's headquarters, 282. 
MoRRiSTOWN to Warwick, N. Y., 

country full of grain, 270. 
Mother, The, and her adherents, 312, 

313. 
Moulders, Mr., 277, 279. 
Mount Tom, '•' tremendous precipice," 

268. 
Mount Vernon Lodge, Providence, 

Dr. Gauo member of, 3G6. 
Mullett, Thoma?, brother-in-law of 

Caleb Evans, 308; references to, 310, 

310,311,355, 414; sketch and anecdote 

oi; 310, 311. 
Mu.mford, Taul, Chief Justice, 99. 
Murray, John, propagates doctrine of 

universal salvation, 294, 312. 

Narrative of the College, referred to 
in Manning's correspondence, 206, 
208, 212, 217, 220, 222, 250; never com- 
pleted, 232, 233. 

Nash, Samuel, graduate in class of 
1770, 128. 

Nassau Hall, I'rincefon, 27, 112, 116. 

National Almanac for 1864, cited, 
38. 

Natural History, Dr. Waterhousc 
lectures on, 300. 



Neale, Kollin H., pastor of first 
Baptist Church, Boston, 135. 

Negroes and Indian slaves enlisted as 
soldiers, 264. 

Nelson, Kev. Mr., at Uaverhill, 111. 

Nesuaming Ford, 273. 

New American Cyclopedia, cited, 
239. 

New Baptist Magazine, cited, 94. 

Neav England, 197, 199, 293, 362, 364. 

New Haven, burnt and sacked by the 
British, 277, 285. 

Newport, rival of Providence for lo- 
cation of the College, 109-114; second 
city in New England, and centre of 
wealth refluement and learning, 113; 
application to General Assembly for 
another college to be located in, 114; 
British troops take possession of, 242. 

New ItocHELLE, Gano's ancestors set- 
tled at, 34. 

New TESTAMENT,text-book in College, 
305. 

New York, plot formed to blow up 
and destroy. Mayor iu confinement, 
141; British take possession of, 269; 
vigorous exertions to retake, 142; re- 
vival in, 364. 

New Youk Recorder, cited, 46. 

Newton, James, 369, 384. 

Newton, John, 189. 

Nightingale, Col., "grand farm, ele- 
gant hospitality,"' 266. 

Noble's Memoirs of Protectoral House 
of Cromwell, 446. 

NoRCOTT's work on Baptism, means 
of Dr. Shepard's conversion, 123. 

North Burying-ground, Providence, 
149. 

Norwalk, burnt by the British, 277. 

NuNN, Mary, of Cork, Ireland, wi;b of 
Morgan Edwards, 45. 

Old Congress, sessions in (':ui)enter''s 
Hall, 237. 

Olnev, Thomas, minister of the Bap- 
tist c lunch, I'rovidcucc, 118, 154. 

Olney, Mr., Planning dines with at 
West Point, 282. 

Oliver, Alderman, committed to the 
Tower, 184. 



INDEX 



511 



Oppression of the Baptists by the 
" Standing Order," 80, 185, 235-238, 
830, 331. See Baptists, Distress, 

and I'EKSECUTION, 

Otis, Major, calls on Planning, 285. 
OuLTOx, John, of England, 190. 
Oxford Univeksity, Obadiah Holmes 
educated at, 151. 

Page, Beuj., actor in affair of the Gas- 
pee, 172. 

Paine, Robert Treat, delegate to Con- 
gress, 237. 

Paper money, depreciation of, 265, 
275; emissions of, flagrant violation 
of the public faith, 392; case of Tre- 
vett vs. Weeden, 98, 99. 

Parable of the Sower, Stennett's ser- 
mons on "truly excellent," 414. 

Parchment of William Williams, 106. 

Park, Edwards A., Memoir of Dr. 
Hopkins, cited, 197; sketch of Presi- 
dent Messer, cited, 410. 

Parker, Isaiah, Trustee of Baptist Ed- 
ucation Fund, 31G. 

Parker, Sir Peter, takes possession of 
Nevv'port, 242. 

Parliament, sovereignty of over all 
the British dominions, 125. 

Patriot statesman, Manning's ca- 
reer as a, 378. 

Patronage of the College contributes 
directly to the propagation of the 
gospel in its simplicity, 319. 

Patterson, Esquire, 283. 

Peale, Eembrandt, 93, 396. 

Pearce, Daniel, 171. 

Pease, Simon, present at first meeting 
of the Corporation, 63. 

Pedobaptists and the Baptists, 108, 
295, 330, 331, 339, 349, 428. See Con- 
gregationalists, Presbyterians, 
and Standing Order. 

Peirce's History of Harvard Univer- 
sity, cited, 40, 121. 

Philadelphia, 230, 237, 276. 

Philadelphia Baptist Associa- 
tion, founded in 1707, 39; aids the 
Hopewell Academy, 40 ; plans Rhode 
Island College, 43; sends committee 
to Newport to alter and amend first 



draft of the Charter, 50, 54; influ- 
ence in behalf of the College, 56, 57; 
references to, 75, 77, 82, 83, 205, 236- 
238, 274, 458, 335, 461. 

Philadelphia, Baptist church. See 
Baptist. 

Philbrick, James and wife, baptized, 
122. 

Philips, Mr., tavern at Litchfield, 267. 

Pelot, Francis, aids in founding the 
" Religious Society," of Charleston, 
31; writes to Hezekiah Smith respect- 
ing Morgan Edwards, 44; appointed 
to address the Baptist churches 
throughout America in behalf of the 
College, 58; reference to, 219. See 
Lettlrs. 

Pemberton, Israel and James, Quak- 
ers of Philadelphia, 237, 239. 

Penmanship, Manning excelled in, 
25. 

Penn, Thomas, subscriber to the early 
funds of the College, 91. 

Pennepek, and vicinity, 274. 

Pennsylvania Gazette, cited, 33. 

Pennsylvania Line under Gen. St. 
Clair, 271. 

Periam, Joseph, classmate of Man- 
ning, 33. 

Perkins, Nathan, 438. 

Perry, Commodore, hero of Lake Erie, 
portrait in Rhode Island Hall, 396. 

Persecution, instances of, 138, 331; 
remarks of Prof. Knowles on perse- 
cution and intolerance, 191, 192. 

Pitman, Rev. Mr., 278. 

Pitman's Alumni Address, cited, 87. 

Place, Elder, 154. 

Poland a monarchial despotism, 359. 

Polemic warfare, Manning skilful in. 
253. 

Politics, ministers not to meddle with, 
245. 

PoLsiPER, Hannah, baptized. 123. 

Popular applause, sought by Win- 
chester, 333. 

Popular education. Manning's ef- 
forts in behalf of, 416. 

Popularity of Maxcy almost unprec- 
edented, 403. 

Porter, William, of England, 190. 



512 



I X D E X . 



PonxKAiTS in lihode Island Hall, ac- 
count of, S'Jj, 397. 

Powri.L. Joseph, educated at the IIopc- 
weM Academy, 42. 

Power, Col. Nicholas, father-in-law of 
James Brown, 155. 

PoAVEK, Hope, daughter of Col. Kicho- 
las and grandaughter of Eev. Pardon 
Tillinghast, 155. 

Power, Xicholas, father-in law of Jo- 
seph Brown, IGl, 22S. 

Potter, Elizabeth, daughter of Nicho- 
la.s, 164. 

POYA-TIXG, John, of England, 190. 

Prayer for colleges, importance of, 
2G. 

Prayer and imposition of hands, 92. 

Preaching to the poor without recom- 
pense, " godlike," 399. 

PRESiiYTERiA>'s and Baptists, 325, 350, 
357, 8u7, 407, 437, 442; name used by 
Manning, Edwards, and others, for 
Congrcgatioualists, 18G; of England, 
ai.d Socinianism, 189. See Congee- 
GATioNALisTS and Standing Or- 
der. 

Presbyterian Synod of JS'ew York, 
founds College of Nov/ Jersey, 27. 

Predestination, Toplady's Treatise 
on, 1:21. 

Prejudices against the Baptists great- 
ly abated, 323. 

Present, Jeremiah, baptized, 122. 

President's house, erected on College 
premises in 1770, 29G. 

President's Levee, took the place of 
the " Commencement Sermon," 90. 

Prevost, General, attacks Charleston, 
273. 

PmCE, Richard, referred' to by Maxcy, 
as " preeminent in virtue," 402. 

Prices, lowering of by committee at 
Philadelphia, 27G. 

Priestley, Jcseph, " gone to the ne 
plus ultra of heresy," 415; referred to 
by Maxcy as " preiiminent in virtue," 
402; Lectures on History " best book 
on that interesting subject." 414; ref- 
erences to, 431, 439. 

Prixclton, College of New Jersey re- 
moved to, 27. 



Prints of (Jill, Evans, and Eippon, 
325, 32G. 

Prisoners taken at Stony Point "fine 
looking men," 279. 

Priyate schools less efficient than 
public, 418, 419. 

Profession, bias of nat ural inclination 
to be consulted in the selection of, 
42G. 

Profession of religion, never made by 
Nicholas Brown, 158. 

Prophesying among early Baptists in 
Providence, 148. 

Proudfit, Alexander, 402. See Let- 
ters. 

Proyidence, home of Roger Williams 
and centre of Baptist influence, 114; 
Providence, Poger Williams and 
Chad Brov,n,143-150; contest between 
and Newport in reference to loca- 
tion of the College, 109-114; raising 
of the r>aptist meeting-house a holi- 
day, 229; deed of College lot and 
names of original owners, 115, 116; re- 
viva!, 244, 246, 293; martial law pro- 
claimed, 242; condition during the 
war, 292, 293, 313, 314; trade again 
opened direct to London, 309; bells 
tolled and school children dismissed 
on death of Dr. Cano, 365; praised 
for its political action with reference 
to Federal Constitution, 414; free 
schools, 417-419; jjotition to Con- 
gress praying that vessels may be ex- 
empted from forrign tonnr -e, 424; 
ringing of bells and booming of can- 
non'on adoption of Federal Consti- 
tution, 433; visit of General Washing- 
ton and suite, 433. 

Providence Association op JIe- 
ciianics, 419. 

Providence Athenaeum, Nicholas 
Brown, beneafctor of, 395. 

Providence Baptist ciiukch. See 
Baptist. 

Providence Encampment, Dr. Gano 
and Bishop Griswold members of, 
3G6. 

ProvirrNCE Cazftte. cited. 9, 88, 109, 
127, 193, 198, 240,243, 258, 287, 4:j3, 451, 
459. 



INDEX 



513 



ruci.ic SCHOOLS, established in Provi- 
dence in 1800, 419 ; more efficient than 
private, 418. 

Pulaski, Count, attacks the British and 
is repulsed, 273. 

Pye, John, of England, 190. 

Quakers, or Friends, represented at 
tirst meeting of the Corporation, 65; 
allowed to wear their hats in College, 
CO. 

Quincy's History of Harvard Univer- 
sity, cited, 121, 122. 

Raisi:\g of the new Baptist meeting- 
house, general holiday in town, 229. 

EA^fDAL, Dr., 292. 

Ra^'dall, Eev. Dr., of Boston, 175. 

Eandall, Eev. Mr., of Warwick, 270. 

Eaxdolph, Joseph, uncle of Manning, 
271, 280. 

Ea:xdolph, Mrs. Ephraim, aunt of 
Manning, 448. 

EAifDOLPH, Capt. Samuel, 272. 

Eates, non-payment of, by Baptists, 
231. 

Eatificatio:^ of the Federal Consti- 
tution in Massachusetts,406; in Ehode 
Island, 433. 

Eawmagi:n' Iron-Works, 268. 

Eead, Josiah, graduate in class of 
1775, 240. 

Eead, Seth, graduate in class of 1770. 
128. 

Eebaptizing, Evans upon, 429. 

Eedwood, Abraham, largest subscriber 
in Kewport for the College, 109. 

Eepwood, Dr., of Philadelphia, 276. 

Eedwood Library, Newport, second 
library in the country, 113. 

Er,D:JEN, Dr. John, an adherent of 
Winchester, 334. 

Eeed, President of Pennsylvania, 275. 

Eeeve, lawyer of Litchfield, 2G8. 

Eeformatio:n in Kew England during 
latter part of the war, 294. 

Eehoboth, Mass., Winchester settled 
in, 333. 

Eeligion, state of through America, 
308. 

Eeligion of Jesus, nature of, 326. 



Eeligious coifDiTiON of NcTv England 
during the war, 293. 

Eeligious opinions, diversity of, to be 
expected, 402. 

Eeligious liberty, contended for by 
Eoger Williams and all true Baptists, 
47, 59; Backus's labors to promote, 
131; Manning's exertions in favor of, 
235, 236-239; Baptists determined to 
secure, 330, 331; doctrines of, better 
understood after the war, 322, 339. 

Eeligious Society of Charleston, to 
aid pious students, 31, 133. 

Eelly's Doctrine of Union, etc., cited, 
312. 

Eepairs of the College, 329. 

Eeports, exaggerated, respecting vic- 
tories, 273. 

Eestoration, universal, doctrine 
propagated by Winchester, 333, 334. 

Reverence for Deity, Mr. Brown re- 
markable for, 158, 159. 

Eevivals of religion, references to, 
61, 153, 180, 244, 245, 309, 324, 328, 344, 
364, 388, 408, 409, 410, 412, 432. 

Eeynolds, John, honorary degree con- 
ferred on, 128. 

Ehode Island, land of Baptists, 42; 
decided religious faith of first settlers, 
46; first State lioliday inaugurated, 
87; trying period in early history, 152; 
lotteries granted by General Assem- 
bly, 197; firm in the cause of consti- 
tutional liberty, 208; extreme suffer- 
ings of tlie people during the war, 
258-260, 264, 313-314; taxes enormous, 
205; "likely to hold a distinguished 
place among the contributors to the 
ruin of the Federal Government," 
392; wilful blindness of the General 
Assembly, "infamous set of men," 
98, 99, 398; act in relation to free 
schools, 419; rejects the Constitution, 
"rulers deliberately wicked," 411; 
make " disgraceful figure among her 
sister States," 414; adoption of the 
Constitution in 1790 by a vote of two 
majority, 433; zeal in struggle for lib- 
erty and independence acknowledged 
by Washington, 435; limitation of 
clause in the College Charter eicempt- 



514 



INDEX. 



ing Professors from taxation, made 
by General Assembly in 1863, 479, 
Ehode IsLATfD Baptist Educatictx 

SOCTETT, 316. 

EiioDE Island College. See Col- 
lege. 

ElIODE ISLA^fD IIlPTOKICAL SoCTETT, 

9, 146. 

Rhode Island Hall, Brown Univer- 
sity, collection of portraits in, 393, 397. 

Ehode Island Lttekaky Kepo?ito- 
KY, cited, 6, 2.:9. 

Ehodes, Mayor of TlnJadelphia, 237. 

EiCHARDB, William, of Lynn, Enjrland, 
letter to Manning, 441; skelcli of his 
life and works, 445-447; bequsatlis his 
collection of books, consisting of 
thirteen hundred volumes, to Library 
of Brown University, 447. See Let- 
ters. 

EiCHMOND, N. H., Baptists distressed 
by " Standing Order,"' 186. 

Eichmond's brick house, 119. 

EiCKARD, George, original owner of 
part of College lot, 116. 

EiLEY, Mr , of Northampton, 386. 

EiND, Mr., of Cliarleston, early in- 
structor of Dv. Stillman, 132. 

EiNGwooD, England, situation of, 421. 

EirpoN, John, succccsor of Dr. Gill, 
opens a corrctponder.ee Avitli Man- 
ning, 323; autobiography, 323; liou- 
orary degree conferred on, 329, 332; 
references to, 337, 346, 3G5, 407. See 
Letters. 

EiPPON's Baptist Annual Eegister, ci- 
ted and referred to, 44, 95, 436, 440, 
441. 

EonniNS, Asher, tutor in College and 
first librarian, 329; references to, 292, 
300,349,378,397, 411; sketch of, 329; 
portrait in Bhode Island Hall, 390. 
See Letters. 

EoEBiNS, Mr. E., of New York, 437. 

Eoberdean, Danii'I, merchant, 201. 

EoniNSON, Eobert, of Cambridge, 218; 
author of " History of Baptism, " 
and "Ecclesiastical Eesearches," 414, 
430, 4.31, 439, 445; " thorough-faced So- 
cinian, 438, 439. 

EoBiNSON, George, of Bridgewater, re- 



vival under his preaching, 409; Trus- 
tee of Baptist Education Fund, 316. 

EoBiN.-'ON, Eev. Mr., of Mansfield, 266. 

Rock of Ages, etc., Toplady author 
of, 204. 

RoD^JAN, Isaac P., Brigadier-General 
of Rl-.ode If land, fell in battle of An- 
tietam, portrait in Ehode Island Hall, 
397. 

Rod, discipline of the, 219. 

RoFFEY, Samuel, one of the earliest 
benefactors of tiie College, 91, 124; 
death mentioned, 1S2. 

Rogers, Capt. William, of Newport, 
52, 91. 

Rogers, Sarah, 91. 

Rogers, Dr. William, son of preced- 
ing, first student of the College, 86; 
graduates in 1769, 88; liked in Phila- 
delphia. 160; resemblance to Hezekiah 
Smith, 181; labors owned of God "to 
admiration,-' 197 ; present at confer- 
ence with delegates to Congress, 237; 
Manning calls on, 274; signer to ad- 
dress of the Baptist church respecting 
Winchester, 335 ; appointed by the 
Corporation to solicit benefactions 
for the College in Europe, 299; 
preaches funeral sermon of Morgan 
Edwards, 44, 96; reierence to, 446; 
biographical sketch, 91-96; portrait 
in Ehode Island Hall, 93, 396. See 
Letters. 

Rogers, Mrs., death of, 95. 

EoGERS. Eliza J., portrait of her fa- 
ther, 93, 396. 

Rogers, Joseph, of Providence, 
" mourns the loss of a dear and ami- 
able wife,"' 353. 

Rogers, Robert, graduate in class of 
1775, Fellow of the College nearly 
lialf a century, 242; Trustee of Bap- 
tist Education Fund, 316. 

Rogers, Mrs. Eliza B., daughter of 
Dr. Gano, presents a scholarship to 
Brown University, 1G4. 

ROGE71S, Capt. John, 213. 

Rogers, Rev. Dr., of New York, 284. 

RoLiN, Ei)lnaim, 286. 

Rose's General Biographical Dictiona- 
ry, cited, 223. 



INDEX 



515 



Eoss's Historical Discourse, cited, 151. 

EouND, Eichard, represents Second 
Eelioboth Church at first meeting of 
Warren Association, 75. 

EowLEY, of Erovidence, 192, 

EoxBUBY Neck, skirmish at, 139. 

EussELL, John, pastor of First Baptist 
Church, Boston, 135. 

EusH, Benjamin, one of Dr. Eogers's 
hearers, 92; student at College with 
Manning, 275; adherent of Winches- 
ter, 334; rdttgious controversy with 
Dr. Ewing^351. 

EussELL, Joseph, present at early 
meetings of Corporation, 67; at meet- 
ing to determine final location of Col- 
lege, 110; merchant in Providence, 
187; at meeting of Corporation in 
1780, 288; chairman of committee to 
s-L?perintend Manning's funeral, 451. 

EussELL, William, 187; on advisory 
committee for building meeting-house 
227; appointed manager of lottery, 
228; present at meeting of Corpora- 
tion in 1780, 288; on committee to 
draft petition to Congress, 290. 

EussELL on singing in public worship, 
179. 

EussLA. a monarchial despotism, 359. 

EtJXYAi^, Eev. Mr., 336. 

Eyland, John, of Northampton, 187; 
honorary degree conferred on, 89; 
annual contribution of five guineas 
for Manning's support, 187, 197, 200, 
203, 214, 232 ; sketch of Augustus M. 
Toplady, 202, 203; hints for Professor 
Manning's use, 201, 216; list of edu- 
cated Baptist ministers in England, 
218; references to, 206, 207, 308, 317; 
character of, 187. See Letteks. 

Kyland, John, D.D., son of preceding, 
father's account of, 189 ; honorary 
degree conferred on, 199, 345; refer- 
ence to, 310 ; Eobert Hall on death of, 
24. 

Sabine, James, 171. 

St. Clair, General, 271. 

St. John's Church, Providence, closed 

during the war, 255. 
St. John's Lodge, Providence, Moses 



Brown Secretary of, 175. See Ma- 
sonic fraternity. 

St. Martin's in, the Fields, one of 
finest churches in London, 229. 

Sanderson's Algebra, 217. 

Saurin's Works, presented to College, 
341; proposals to publish, 325, 326. 

Savage, James, note on Chad Brown, 
143 ; Geological Dictionary, cited, 
144. 

Schools, public, in Providence, 418, 
419. 

Scholarships, inaugurated by Presi- 
dent Barnas Sears, 315 ; in accordance 
with Manning's general views and 
policy, 316. 

Scotch Plains Baptist church, 24, 33, 
35, 271. 

Scott, Eichard, contemporary with 
Eoger Williams and ancestor of Nich- 
olas Brown, 147, 157. 

Scott, Joanna, mother of Ehoda 
Jenckes, and descendant of Eichard 
Scott, 157. 

Scott, of Kingston, Mass., disciplined 
by Manning, 128, 129. 

Scott, Capt, 330. 

Scriptures, only rule of faith and 
practice, 78. 

Sears, Barnas, President of Brown 
University, scholarships inaugurated 
by, 815,316; acknowledgment in Pref- 
ace, 9. 

Sectarian bitterness, now passed 
away, 192. 

Seekers and Separatists, 147, 149, 179. 

Self-exaltation, cause of Winches- 
ter's apostasy, 327. 

Senti:uents and plan of Warren Asso- 
ciation, 78-80. 

Sergeant, Jonathan, Dickinson, class- 
mate of Manning, 33. 

Sessions, Darius, present at meeting of 
Corporation to determine location of 
the College, 110; Deputy Governor, 
171 ; Manning visits, 203. 

Seventh-day Baptists, Farmingtou, 
Ct, Manning preaches for, 267. 

Shaking Quakers, 344. 

Shakspear, Mr., 293. 

Shakspear's Head, Providence, 164. 



51G 



INDEX. 



Shaivd, Capt., 181, 220. 

ShaPvP, Arclibishop of York, Works 
presented to Library, 358. 

Sharp, Granville, distinguished phi- 
lanthropist of London, corresponds 
Avith Manning, 358, 

Shayism, Mass., effectually crushed, 
4n. 

Sheldon, Christopher, on advisory 
committee for building meeting- 
house, 227. 

Sheldox, Daniel, 154. 

.^iiELDOX, Joseph, 154. 

Sheedon, Nicholas, 154. 

biiEPARD, Jonathan, represents Ha- 
verhill church at first meeting of 
Warren Association, 75. 

Shepakd, Samuel, baptized by Ileze- 
kiah Smith, and ordained, 123. 

Shepard, Deacon, of England, makes 
donation to College, 3G3. 

Sheridan's Lectures on Elocution, 
text-book in College, 305. 

Sherman, Kev. Mr., of Millord, 285. 

Shields, Thomas, of Philadelphia, 
276, 277, 278, 335. 

Shoals, Isle of, 138. 

Shortness of Life. 357. 

Si:mpson"s Fluxions, 217. 

Sinclair, Mrs., second wife of Mor- 
gan Edwards, 45. 

Singing in public worship, contro- 
versy on, 179, 

Six-principle Baptists, 73, 154, 179. 

Skillman, Isaac, educated at Hope- 
well Academy, 42; on committee of 
grievances, 330. 

Slave Trade, rresbyterians, Indepen- 
dents and Anti-lV;lobaptists unite in 
ellbrts to abolish, •'i)7. 

Slavery, Moses i'lown opposed to, 
174. 

Slater, Samuel, foinder of the man- 
ufacturing interests of Rhode Island, 
portrait in lihode Island Hall, 396. 

S.MITH, Daniel, fatl.er-in-law of John 
Urown, 170. 

Smith, Dr., of Challuim. 281. 

Smith, Dr., of Hartford, 267, 286. 

Smith, Dr., of Litchlield, 268. 

Smith, Eliphalet, of Deerfield, con- 



verted to Baptist sentiments while 
preaching, 122. 

Smith, Hezekiah, of Haverhill, Mass., 
Manning's most intimate fiioid, 33; 
educated at Hopewell Academy, 42; 
classmate of Manning in College, 33; 
manuscript copy of the laws of Col- 
lege of New Jersey, 28; present at 
early meetings of the Corporation, 
67; extract from diary, 68; visits 
Manning at Warren, 74, 75; one of 
the five educated Baptist ministers 
in New England in 1765, 71; repre- 
sents Haverhill church at first meet- 
ing of the Warren Association, 75; 
Moderator of Association in 1769, 84; 
on committee of grievances, 81, 330 ; 
honorary degree conferred on, 89; 
I'elot and Hart write to respecting 
Morgan Edwards, 44, 45 ; extract from 
diary, 108; elected Fellow, 109; ob- 
tains subscriptions for the College in 
South Carolina and Georgia, 121, 126; 
baptizes Kev. Eliphalet Smith and 
thirteen others in Deerfield, 122; bap- 
tizes Dr. Shepard, 123; marvellously 
blessed in his labors, 183; appointed 
agent of the Baptists to lay their 
case before the King of England, 
186; birth of his first son, 209; " the 
great man of Haverhill," 219; clerk 
of the Warren Association in 1774, 
236; present at meeting of Corpora- 
tion in 1782, 289; Trustee of Baptist 
Education Fund, 316; addressed by 
Nicholas Brown with a view to suc- 
ceeding Manning in the pastorate, 
383; early instructor of rresideut 
Messer, 409; has thoughts of leaving 
Haverhill and taking his son from 
College, 416; still wanted in Frovi- 
dence, 432; son's standing in College, 
416, 437; Stillman, Smith, and Bald- 
win preachers at Commencement, 90; 
papers and correspondence, 8; letters 
to his wife while in the army, 139- 
142; biographical sketch, 135-139. 
See Letters. 

Sjiith, Mrs., mother of Hezekiah 390. 

Smith, Jeremiah, brother of Hezekiah, 
390. 



INDEX 



517 



Smith, Turpiii, actor in affair of the 
Gaspee, 172. 

Smith, Peter, 278. 

Smith, Rev. Mr., Cranberry, 277. 

S^'0\v, Joseph, 127, 419; Commence- 
ment held for last time in his meeting- 
house, 233. 

Snow, Samuel, admitted to degree of 
A. B. in 1782, 289. 

Sxow, Stephen, 266. 

Snow four feet deep March 21, 1785, 351. 

Society for Propagatiok op the 
Gospel, funds prostituted, 184. 

SociNiANisM and Tresbyterians of 
England, 189; indications of in Rob- 
inson's History of Baptism, 439. 

Solitary Hill, residence of William 
Wickenden, 148. 

SoMNER, Major, 279. 

Soul-liberty, 239. 

South, Rev. Dr., cited, 462. 

South Carolina, subscriptions ob- 
tained in for the College. 121, 126: 
invasion of by the British, 273; adopt-s 
the Federal Constitution, 411. 

SowARD, Col., 270, 281. 

Spark's American Biography, ci- 
ted, 66. 

Spear, Nathan, present at early meet- 
ings of Corporation, 67; at meeting 
to determine tinal location of College 
110 ; member of committee on griev- 
ances, 80. 

Speaking on the chapel stage, 305. 

Spilsbury, Mr., of London, 189. 

Speculators and monoplizers, 275. 

Spelling, Manning a proficient in, 25. 

Spelling-book, prepared by commit- 
tee of Warren Association, 291. 

Spencer, Gen. Joseph, brief sketch, 
276. 

Sprague, William B., acknowledg- 
ment in Preface, 9; Annals of the 
American Pulpit, cited, 104, 106, 123, 
131, 134, 139, 274, 410. 

Stafford, John, of England, worthy 
of College honors, 190. 

Stamp Act, 91. 

Standing Order and the Baptists, 72, 
80, 221,235. See Congregational- 

ISTS. 

44 



Stanford, John, pastor for a time of 
the church at Providence, 405, 511, 
416, 440. 

Staples's Annals of Providence, cited, 
114, 128, 145, 191, 198, 255, 41T, 433; 
Simplicity's Defence, cited, 146; Doc- 
umentary History of Destruction of 
Schooner Gaspee, cited, 170. 

State lotteries referred to, 215. 

Stead, Mr., trustee for the manage- 
ment of funds, 125. 

Steeple of Baptist meeting-house, 
Providence, 229, 230. 

Steeples and bells, Dissenters in Eng- 
land not allowed to use, 230. 

Steele, Benjamin, magistrate of Pis- 
cataway, 36. 

Stelle, Isaac, son of Benjamin, makes 
prayer at Manning's ordination, 36; 
present at second meeting of War- 
ren Association, 78; references to, 
271, 277, 278, 295; brief sketch, 36. 

Stelle, Benjamin, son of Isaac, lias 
a Latin School in Providence, 84; 
daughter married to Hon. Nicholas 
Brown, 36. 

Stennett, Samuel, of London, sub- 
scriber to the early funds of the Col- 
lege, 91; Manning begins correspon- 
dence with, 120; procures repeal of 
the Ashlield law against the Bap- 
tists, 217, 220; Discourses on Domes- 
tic Duties, 341, 355; Parable of the 
Sower, "truly excellent," 414; ref- 
erences to, 319, 338, 344, 385 ; character 
and works, 120. See Letters. 

Stephens, (ieorge, of London, 189. 

Steuben, Baron, Manning introduced 
to at West Point, 282. 

Stiles, Ezra, solicited to assist in draft- 
ing Charter for Baptist College, 47; 
Charter so drafted as to throw gov- 
erning power into hands of Congre- 
gationalists, 48-53; connection with 
the Charter stated in brief, 54; cher- 
ishes friendly feelings towards the 
College, 49; reason for declining a 
Fellowship, 49, 215; would have noth- 
ing to do with College, 191; state- 
ments in regard to Baptist conference 
with delegates to Congress, 239; orig- 



518 



INDEX. 



inal draft of Charter with remarks 
in his own handwriting published in 
Appendix, 465-482. 

Stillman, Samuel, of Boston, beneii- 
ciary of tlie '' lieligious Society" of 
Charleston, S. C, 31; name omitted 
in Dr. Stiles's draft of the Charter, 51 ; 
present at early meetings of Corpora- 
tion, 07; clerk of the Warren Associ- 
ation in 1769, 84; on committee of 
grievances, 80, 81 ; honorary degree 
conferred on, 89; present at meeting 
to determine final location of the 
College, 110; on committee to wait on 
Manning, 112; preaches Dr. Shep- 
ard's ordination sermon, 123; Treas- 
urer of the Baptist churches, 186; pres- 
ent at meeting of Corporation in 1782, 
289; preaches at Commencement of 
1783, 295; chairman of committee 
of Corporation to draft address and 
petition to King of France, 298, 301; 
Trustee of Baptist Education Fund, 
316; chairman of committee of War- 
ren Association on grievances, 330; 
appointed with Manning to write to 
Kev. Hugh Evans of Bristol and so- 
licit donations for the College, 338; 
one of tiie twelve representatives 
from Boston to the Massachusetts 
Convention, 404; popularity, 405; 
references to, 71, 90, 323, 355, 408; 
preaches funeral sermon of Isicliolas 
Brown, extracts from, 158, 159; writes 
to Hezekiah Smith announcing death 
of Manning, 453; preaches funeral 
sermon of Jlezekiah Smith, 137; bio- 
graphical sketch, 132-135. See Let- 
ters. 

Stites, John, Mayor of Elizabetbtown, 
father-in-law of Manning, 33, 34, 57, 
89,270, 280; Dr. Dayton executor of 
his estate, 292. 

Stites, Mrs., mother-in-law of Man- 
ning, o3G. 

Stites, Margaret, daughter of John, 
and wife of Manning, 33, 240, 205, 400. 

Stites, Sarah, daughter of John, and 
wife of John Ciano. 35, 304. 

Stites, John, merchant in New York, 
brother-in-law of Manning, 355. 



Stites, Richard, Manning's brother-in- 
law, graduates at first Commence- 
ment in 1709, 88. 

Stites, Dickey, son of Kichard, 292. 

Stites, Dr., Manning's brother-in-law, 
277,280; educates Stephen Gano for 
the medical profes-sion, 364. 

Stites, William, 3Ianning's uncle, 280. 

Stites, Jimmy, Manning's nephew, 
son of Jeremiah, 336. 

Stoke's Life and Itecollections of 
Howland, cited, 117, 226, 200; Life of 
Elhanan Winchester, cited, 335. 

Stone's Euclid, text-book in College, 
305. 

Stony Point, taken by Gen. Wayne, 
278. 

Storm, Capt., genteel tavern, 269. 

Storv, Mr., of Boston, 214. 

Stuart, Gilbert, the painter, portrait 
in Rhode Island Hall, 397. 

Stratford, Ct., 284. 

Strawberries, price of, 141. 

Strong, Kathan, of Hartford, brief 
sketch of, 2G7; references to, 286, 438. 

Sullivan, Gen., 98. 259. 

Sumner, James, 230. 

Sutton, David, educated at Hopewell 
Academy, 42. 

Sutton, John, educated at Hopewell 
Academy, 42; accompanies Manning 
on liis first visit to Newport in 1763, 
45; settled in Kentucky, 437. 

Sweet, Daniel, 154. 

Symonds, Joshua, of Bedford, Eng- 
land, 190, 218. 

Taxation, dispute relating to, 232. 
Taxes of Rhode Island enormous, 265; 

burden of unfavorable to the College, 

308. 
Talbot, James, educated at Uopewell 

Academy, 42. 
Tallmadge, Col., of New York, daugh- 
ter married to S(oi)hen Gano, 306. 
Tanker, John, present at meeting to 

determine location of the College, 

110. 
Taunton Academy, 448. 
Tennent, Gilbert, means of Benjamin 

Miller's conversion, 27. 



INDEX 



.19 



Tennent, William MacKay, brief sketch 
of, 283; Manning visits, 284. 

Test laws in England, 429, 

Teav, Paul, 266. 

Text-books in College in 1783, 805; 
of the early schools in Providence, 
417. 

Thatcher's Lives of Eminent Physi- 
cians, 242. 

Thivell, Capt., 337. 

Thockjiokton, John, 146. 

Thomas, David, educated at Hopewell 
Academy, 42; receives honorary de- 
gree, Sd. 

Thomas, Mr., of London, finds first 
volume of Backus used as waste pa- 
per, 376. 

Thompson, Ebenezer, appointed on 
committee to draft petition to Con- 
gress, 290. 

Thompson, Charles, educated at Hope- 
well Academy, 42; aided by Philadel- 
phia Association, 56; valedictorian of 
the first graduating class, 89; minis- 
try at Warren, 197; biographical 
sketch, 103, 104. 

Thompson, Mr., Manning preaches at 
his house, 268. 

Thoknton, Mr., 244, 247. 

Thornton's Pulpit of the American 
Revolution, cited, 255, 387. 

Thurston, (jardner, present at first 
meeting of Corporation, 64; intimate 
friend of Dr. Stiles, 66; on committee 
to wait upon Manning, 112; assists in 
organization of Warren church, 68; 
baptizes William Rogers, 92 ; present 
at meeting to determine location of 
College, 110; church at Providence 
advises with, 179; revival at Newport 
under liis preaching, 294. 

Thurston, Edward, Jr., present at 
first meeting of Corporation, 64; at 
meeting to determine location of Col- 
lege, 110. 

Tpiurcer, Edward, on advisory com- 
mittee, etc., for building meeting- 
house, 227, 228. 

Thuuber, Benj., on advisory commit- 
tee, etc., for building meeting-house, 
227, 228. 



Thurber, r.enjamin, of PomtVet, Man- 
ning preaches at his house, 266. 

Thurber, James, Manning preaches at 
his house, 2'J6. 

Thurber, Samuel, letter to Judge 
Staples on education, cited, 417. 

Thurlow's State Papers read by Gov. 
Hopkins, 368. 

Tillinghast, Daniel, on advisory 
committe, etc., for building meeting- 
house, 227, 228. 

Tillinghast, Capt. Joseph, actor in 
affair of Gaspee, 172. 

Tillinghast, Nicholas, present at first 
meeting of Corporation, 64. 

Tillinghast, John, first Treasurer of 
the Corporation, 63. 

Tillinghast, Pardon, pastor of Bap- 
tist church, Providence, 153, 226; said 
to have been soldier under Cromwell, 
155; built first meeting-house of the 
church at his own expense, 155. 

Tillinghast, Thomas, associate justice, 
99. 

TiLLGiNHAST, Colouel of Artillery, 
412. 

TiNGLEY, Mrs., of Elizabeth, sister of 
Manning, 271, 272, 280. 

TiRRiLL, William, baptized, 122. 

Tolerance, practised by early settlers 
of llhode Island, 46. 

Toleration more prevalent, 295, 362. 

ToPLADY, Augustus M., Worthy of 
College honors, 189, 204; first divine 
of the established church, 202; author 
of " Rock of Ages cleft for me," 204; 
Treatise on Predestination, 221; liter- 
ary character of Dr. Gill, 371; Ry- 
land's sketch of, 202, 203. 

Tories in Boston and vicinity, 139; 
New York and New Jersey, 268, 270, 
272; Morgan Edwards ranked with, 
45; "Tories and rogues grow rich," 
275. 

TouLMiN, Joshua, receives honorary 
degree, 89. 

Town House of Providence, 115. 

Tkade, embarrassments of, in New 
England, 356. 

Transit Street, named in commemo- 
ration of transit of Venus, 165. 



520 



INDEX 



Travelling facilities in days of Man- 
ning, 237, 203-286. 

Treat, J., tutor in College of New 
Jersey, 27. 

Trevett against Weedcu, care of, 98, 
399. 

Trinitarianism. See Awti-Trinita- 

RIAKISM. 

Trotter, Dr., of London, 189. 

Tryon, Gov. William, invasion of Con- 
necticut, 277, 283. 

Turner, Daniel, honorary degree con- 
lerred on, 128. 

Turner, Mr., Manning drinks choco- 
late with, 279. 

TuTTLE, Moses, 281. 

Unconverted men not to preach, 427. 

Union in Christ should produce love 
towards one another, 328. 

Union College, Maxcy elected Presi- 
dent, 402. 

Unitarian views advocated by Dr. 
Priestley, 415. 

Unitarianism, or Anti-Trinitarian- 
ism, 212, 213. 

Universal history, the great collec- 
tion of, read by Gov. Hopkins, 308. 

Universal restoration, doctrine 
propagated by Winchester, 333, 334. 

Universal salvation, doctrine prop- 
agated by JIurray, 294; "licked into 
various forms," 312; many proselytes 
among Congregationalists, made by 
Dr. Ciiauncy's book, 385. 

Universalists and Armenians, 328. 

University Hall. See College. 

University Cramjiar School, 67. 
See Latin School. 

University op 1'ennsylvania, estab- 
lished and controlled by Ei)iscopa- 
lians, 38; Dr. IJogers I'rofessor in, 
93; conlers upon Planning the hon- 
orary degree of Doctor in Divinity, 
350. 

Ui'DiKE's History of Xarragausctt 
Church, cited, 93. 

Upmam, Edward, and J. Condy, tlie 
only IJaptist ministers in New Eng- 
land liberally educated, 71; graduate 
of Harvard, GO; present ut first meet- 



ing of Corporation, G4; at meeting to 
determine location of College, 112; 
receives honorary degree, 89. 

Useful knowledge, surest agency to 
secure rights, prosperity, and liberty, 
418. 

Usefulness the wish of every good 
man, 405. 

UsnER, Archbishop, " first fruits " of 
Trinity College, 91. 

Ustick, Thomas, aided by Philadelphia 
AssociiUion, 57; graduates in class of 
1771, 194; succeeds Dr. IJogers as pas- 
tor of Baptist Church in I'hiladel- 
pliia, 194; instrumental in obtaining 
Manning's honorary degree from Uni- 
vei-sity ot l*ennsylvania, 350; referen- 
ces to, 9, 201, 354, 357, 337. See Let- 
ters. 

Vaccination, introduced by Dr. Wa- 
tcrhousc, 300. 

Valedictory oration of Thompson, 
manuscript preserved in College Li- 
brary, 104; of Binney, published, 
233. 

^'ANI)ERLIGUT, David, German physi- 
cian., married 31ary Brown, 156. 

Van Houn, William, brief sketch, 273; 
appointed to solicit benefactions for 
the College, 299; obtains donations, 
336. 

Vankirk, Dr. Manning preaches for, 
272. 

Vaunum, James JHtchell, member of 
first graduating class, 88; writes to 
Manning at I'hiJadelphia, 279; bio- 
graphical sketch, 96-102. 

Vavasor, Josiah, daughter married 
to Stephen Gano, 306. 

Venus, account of Transit of, 164, 165. 

Verme, Count dal, of Milan, present 
at Commencement in 1783, 298; anec- 
dote of, 300. 

Virginia, revivals in, 182, 205, 405. 

Wadsworth, General, 2S5. 

Wake.man, Es(iUiRE, 283. 

W.vLDO, Kcv. Mr., Manning preaches 

for. 209. 
Wallin, Benjamin, of London, hon- 



INDEX 



521 



orary degree conferred on, 128; Man- 
ning opens correspondence wit li, 210; 
account of hjinself, 211-213; referen- 
ces to, 250, 293, 311, 345; makes be- 
quest to the College, 307; character 
and works, 210. See Letters. 

Walton, Rev. Mr., 153. 

Walton's Biblia Sacra Po]3^glotta, 
presented to College Library, 370. 

Wanton, Edward, 154. 

Wanton, John G., present at first 
meeting of Corporation, and meet- 
ing to determine location of College, 
64, 110. 

Wanton, Joseph, present at first meet- 
ing of Corporation, 63; Governor, 
64, 171 ; suspended for disloyalty, 65. 

Wanton, Joseph, Jun., honorary de- 
gree conferred on, 89; present at 
meeting to determine location of Col- 
lege, 110. 

War of the Revolution, effects of in 
Warren, 103; Smith's letters in rela- 
tion to, 139-142; vivid idea of, 244; 
sad effects of, 251; unfavorable to 
revivals, 247; effects of in Providence, 
293; throughout the laud, 311-317; 
counterbalanced in part by preva- 
lence of religious toleration, .328. 

Ward, Henry, present at meeting to 
determine location of College, 110; 
references to, 288, 290, 292. 

Ward, Samuel, Governor of Rhode 
Island, present at first meeting of 
Corporation, 63, 66; at meeting to 
determine location of the College, 
110; delegate to Congress, 237. 

Ward, Richard, son of preceding, mar- 
ried daughter of Joseph Brown, 164. 

Ward, Samuel, son of Governor, grad- 
uate in class of 1771, 193; attains to 
rank of Lieut. Col. in the army, 194. 

Ward's Oratory, text-book in College, 
305. 

Warner, John, original owner of part 
ofCollegelot, 116, 146. 

Warner, John, present at meeting to 
determine location of College, 110. 

Warner, Capt., 285. 

Warren, selected for first location of 
College, 67. 68; action respecting per- 

44* 



manent location, 108; ravages of Eng- 
lish troops, 103. 

Warren Association, originated by 
Manning to resist acts of oppression 
on part of" Standing Order," and to 
aid College, 72; formation and early 
history, 72-84; first meeting at War- 
ren, 74; sentiments and plan, 78-80; 
minutcs,82; effortsto aid Col lege, 57,. '58, 
291. 316,321; circular letters for, 1769, 
1770, 1783, and 1791, 83, 185, 320, 458; 
agent fcnt to Pliiladelphia to endeav- 
or to obtain through Congress equal 
rights, 233; meeting at Providence in 
1780, 290; meeting at Charlton in 1783, 
300; meeting in 1784, determined to 
resist oppressive acts and measures of 
"Standing Order," 330; Winchester 
excluded from fellowship of, 335; 
formation of Education Society, 316. 
See Letters. 

Warren Baptist church. See Bap- 
tist. 

Waravick, R. I., and Massachusetts, 
146-152. 

Warwick, N. Y., 269, 270. 

Washington, George, and Dr. Rog- 
ers, 94; and Thomas Mullett, 311; tes- 
timony in favor of the Baptists, 136; 
on speculators and monopolizers,275; 
Manning introduced to at West Point, 
282; visits the College in 1790, 433; re- 
ply to Manning's address, 435; de- 
gree of L.L.D,, conferred on, 336; 
references to, 137, 271. 

Waterhouse, Benjamin, description of 
Newport, 113; anecdote and " trying 
experiences" of Manning, 342, 404; 
appointed Fellow, 298, 299; cliosen 
Professor in College,330,332 ; biogiaph- 
ical sketch, 299, 300. See Letters. 

Watkins, Mr., of Philadelphia, 274. 

Watkins and Smith, London, 166. 

Watson, Elkanah, apprentice to John 
Brown, 106; Memoirs of, cited 97, 167. 

Watts's Hymns and Psalms, 325. 

Watts and Duncan's Logic, text-book 
in College, 305. 

Wayland, Francis, pastor of First 
Baptist Church, Boston, 135; state- 
ment respecting Chad Brown cor- 



522 



INDEX 



rected, 144; introduced the " Tresi- 
dent's Levee," at Commencement of 
administration iu College, 90; occu- 
pied for a time the old College Man- 
sion, 296; Disccurse on Life and 
character of Hon. Nicholas Brown, 
cited, 395 ; full-length portrait in 
Rhode Island Hall, and marble bust 
in College Library, 396. 

Wayne, General, takes Stony Point, 
278. 

Wealth, reasonable object of, 418. 

Weather, remarkably cold, in 1785, 
351. 

Weathersfield, Ct., raises vast quan- 
tities of onions, 285. 

Webb, Col., Manning dines with at 
West Point, 282. 

Weeded, John, of Newport, 99. 

Welch, Mr., 2S6. 

Welsh, books bequeathed to College, 
447. 

Welsh versions of the Bible, 194. 

Westcot, Mr., of Philadelphia, 274,277. 

West, Benjamin, tl:epainter,subscribe; 
to early funds of College, 91. 

West, Dr. Benjamin, taught private 
school in Providence, 417; account ol 
transit of Venus, 164, 165; honorary 
degree conferred upon, 128. 

West Point, description of, 282, 283. 

Wesley, John, 221, 441. 

Wheaton, Cajjt, 68. 

Wheaton, Rev. Epiiraim, of Swanzey, 
and Thos. Iloliis, 40, 41. 

Wheaton, Ephraim, and Na<iiauiel,ou 
committee for building P>ap(ist meet- 
ing-house, 227, 228. 

Wheaton, Dr. Levi, admitted to de- 
gree of A.B., in 1782, 289. 

Wheaton, Hon. Henry, portrait in 
Rhode Island Hall, 396. 

Wheelock, Dr. ,1'residentof Dartmouth 
College, 184, 299. 

Whipple, Abraham, actor in affair of 
Cia.spee, 171; the daring Commodore, 
portrait in Rhode Island Hall, 396. 

Whipple Hall, 419. 

WuiTAKEii and (>akam, 184. 

WuiTEFiELD, preaching of, 130. 

Whitman, Thomas, 81. 



Whit.aiarsh, Major, 97. 

Whittieu, Jacob, represents Haverhill 
church at first meeting of Warren 
Association, 75. 

WiCKENDEN, William, minister of 
Baptist church, Providence, 148. 

William and Mary's College, 
founded and controlled by Episco- 
palians, 38. 

Wilkinson William, graduate in class 

of 1783, grammar master and College 

Librarian, 336; " eminent classical 

and mathematical teacher in town," 

413. 

Wilkinson, Jemima, and her adhe- 
rents, 312. 

Williams, Roger, 59, 178, 444, 446; and 
Chad Brown, 143-150; not the first 
pastor of the Baptist church, 150. 

Williams, William, educated at Hope- 
well Academy, 42; member of first 
graduating class, 88; Trustee of 
Baptist Education Fund, 316; preach- 
es on trial. 201; biographical sketch, 
104-6. 

Williams, Gov. David R., pupil of 
preceding, 105. 

Williams, Robert, original owner of 
partof College lot, 116. 

Williams, Joseph, Jr., 154. 

Williams, David, honorary degree 
conferred on, 128. 

Williams, Henry, merchant of New 
York, 121. 

Wllliamr, Prof., account of " Dark 
Day," cited, 260. 

Williams, Sidney, married second 
daughter of President Messer, 410. 

Williams, Rev. Mr., of Durham, 285. 

Williams, Mr., and Booth, 428. 

Wilton, Samuel, worthy of College 
honors, 190. 

Wilson, Rev. Mr*, of Bordentown, 
328, 336, 412. 

Wilson's Sermons, presented to Li- 
brary, 212. 221, 223. 

Wilson's Navigation, text-book iu 
College, 305. 

WiNCHELL, James, pastor of first Bap- 
tist church, Boston, 135. 

WiNCHKSTEU, Elhanan, 92; sketch of, 



NDEX 



i23 



with account of his relations with 
Baptist church, Philadelphia, 332- 
335; instrumental in revivals in New 
England, 324; apostasy, 327; "pre- 
eminent in virtue," 402; "influential 
days at an end unless he goes right 
about,''' 424: Booth's portrait of " ex- 
actly to the life," 428; loses ground 
fast, 431, 439. 

WiNSLOW, Sam'l and wife,baptized,122. 

WiNSOR, Joshua, 154. 

WiNSOR, Samuel, early pastor of Bap- 
tist church, 153, 154. 

WiisrsoR, Samuel, son of preceding, 
present at first meeting of Corpora- 
tion, 64; at meeting to determine final 
location of College, 110; committee 
to wait on Manning, 112; Winsor, 
Manning, and Baptist church, 178,179. 

Winsor, Col. Abraham, 266. 

WiNTHROP's New England, cited, 143, 
144. 

WiNTHROP's account of transit of Ve- 
nus, cited, 165. 

WiSTNER's Works, presented to Libra- 
ry, 352. 



WiTHERSPOON, Dr., President of Col- 
lege of New Jersey, 28. 

Wood, Rev. Mr., of Ware, 337, 416. 

WooDBKiDGE, Dr., " first fruits " of 
Harvard University, 91. 

WooDBRiDGE, Ct., dcsolations of, 280. 

WooDFvUFF, Joseph of Farmiugton, 267. 

Woodruff, Mrs., of Elizabethtown, 
sister of Manning, 271, 272, 281. 

Woodman, Isaac, honorary degree 
conferred upon, 128; writes to Man- 
ning declining, 206; prince in spirit 
and conduct, 203. See Letters. 

Worth, AVilliam, educated at Hope- 
well Academy, 42. 

Wrentham Academy, taught by Wil- 
liams, 105. 

Yale CoLLEGE,founded and controlled 
by Congregationalists, 38; funds in- 
creased by lotteries, 197; fortunate iu 
attracting the attention of a Yale, 
319 ; donation to from King of France, 
298. 

Yearly Meeting of Baptists, 73. 

Yellow i-ever at Philadelphia, 94. 



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